Beacon lighting ceremony among events planned in Peterborough for Queen's 90th birthday

Queen Elizabeth II sits alongside the Duke of Edinburgh as she delivers her speech in the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster in London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 27, 2015. See PA story POLITICS Speech. Photo credit should read: Alastair Grant/PA Wire PPP-150527-124642001

With Her Royal Highness set to become the first British monarch to reach the age of 90, events are due to take place both on the Queen’s actual birthday of April 21 and in June for the ‘official’ birthday.

On April 21 the city will take part in the long tradition of celebrating Royal events with the lighting of beacons across the British Isles. The city council will light a beacon outside the Town Hall in Bridge Street at 2pm.

Nationally, the beacon lighting is due to be led by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who will invite Her Majesty The Queen to light the Principal Beacon at Windsor Castle.

This will be followed by the lighting of more than 1,000 beacons throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK overseas territories and a Commonwealth country to celebrate the landmark birthday.

The lighting of the beacon in Peterborough will be followed by a Queen’s Birthday Tea Party within the Town Hall until 5pm. Open to all, the party will be hosted by the mayor to benefit his official charities and local voluntary organisation, Senior Stop.

Councillor John Peach, Mayor of Peterborough, said: “The Queen’s 90th birthday is a truly historical, national event. It’s an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the extraordinary service Her Majesty has given the country for more than six decades.

“The beacons are a sight to behold, and what better way to celebrate a birthday than with tea and cake at the Town Hall. I’m very much looking forward to being part of this important occasion.”

For more information regarding the mayor’s tea party, contact Helen Sargent on 07506 388718.

More activities in Peterborough to mark the Queen’s birthday are currently being confirmed and details will be announced shortly.