The Borough of Broxbourne joined over 2,000 venues across the UK and the Commonwealth in the long tradition of lighting beacons to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
Beacons were lit at locations at Wormley Community Centre, Lee Valley White Water Centre and in Hoddesdon Town Centre, on the evening of Thursday 2 June to mark the start of Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
In Hoddesdon Town Centre, by Fawkon Walk, the beacon was lit by Karen Trew, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, accompanied by the Leader of Broxbourne Borough, Councillor Lewis Cocking.
The event was held in partnership with Love Hoddesdon Business Improvement District, who also ran a funfair in the town centre from 11am to 10pm, with entertainment and performances from local acts.
The MP for Broxbourne, Sir Charles Walker, attended celebrations at Wormley Community Centre, but the honour of lighting the beacon was given to local community champion, 16-year-old Shane Parker. He was voted for by residents as part of the Platinum Jubilee street party organised by the Wormley and Turnford Big Local.
The third beacon was lit by Councillor Paul Seeby, who was chosen as the new Mayor of Broxbourne last month. He was on hand at Lee Valley White Water Centre for celebrations that also included live music.
It has been estimated that around 3,000 people attended the three events.
Councillor Lewis Cocking, Leader of Broxbourne Council, said:
“Broxbourne’s beacon lighting events were all a great success, and it was fantastic to see so much of the community come out in support. We are thankful to the partners who helped organise these celebrations – Love Hoddesdon, Wormley and Turnford Big Local, and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.
“It was great to see the patriotism on display from residents and we sang both the National Anthem and Royal Britannia at celebrations in Hoddesdon.”
Councillor Paul Seeby, Mayor of Broxbourne, said:
“While the beacon lighting events and street parties have now taken place, there are still more ways people can celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in Broxbourne.
“Events still taking place include the Celebrating Our Community festival in Waltham Cross on Saturday 11 June, the Jubilee Photo Competition that is open until 30 June, and residents can enter the Broxbourne in Bloom competition until 4 July.”
For the full programme of Platinum Jubilee events, visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/platinumjubilee.