A network of 2,012 beacons will be lit by communities and individuals throughout the United Kingdom as well as the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Commonwealth on Monday 4th June 2012 to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. All beacons, the length and breadth of the UK, will be lit between 10pm and 10.30pm. Two of the beacons will be lit at Newtownabbey sites at Carnmoney Hill by the Mayor, Alderman Billy Webb and Carn Hill by the Deputy Mayor, Alderman Victor Robinson at 10.15pm. The Queen will light the National Beacon in London at approximately 10.30pm making it the last beacon in the UK chain.

 The Mayor, Alderman Billy Webb commented:

“In the history of the UK, the only other Monarch to achieve a reign of 60 years was Queen Victoria  who reigned for a total of 63 years. In 2012, The Queen will become the second Monarch in British history to celebrate 60 years on the throne. The opportunity to witness and celebrate an occasion as unique as this cannot be over stated and it It is a privilege to be involved in this landmark occasion. The sight of these beacons will add a real sense of occasion to the Borough.”

 For further information on the Jubilee Beacons, visit www.diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk.