At just before 9:45pm on Thursday, a small ceremony was held in front of Peterborough’s Town Hall to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Mayor Alan Dowson and Mayoress Shabina Qayyum led the ceremony that saw the lighting of the city’s jubilee beacon. Cllr Qayyum did the honours of lighting the beacon itself.
After the lighting, the crowds that gathered were treated to a choir singing a specially commissioned song for the jubilee, bagpipe music and a bugle solo.
Dignitaries from across the city were in attendance a number of the city councillors, MP Paul Bristow and the Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Jaspal Singh.
Cllr Qayyum said: “The lighting was a poignant moment for us all, where councillors across the political field, community organisations & citizens came together, to celebrate her majesty’s 70th Platinum Jubilee.
“It was a privilege to have been asked by our Mayor Elect, To light the Beacon for our city.”
Labour Group Leader Cllr Shaz Nawaz added: “It was so heartwarming to see councillors from all sides come together last night, alongside many different communities and faiths, to light the beacon outside the Town Hall in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
“We are stronger together.”
After the lighting, the crowds that gathered were treated to a choir singing a specially commissioned song for the jubilee, bagpipe music and a bugle solo.
5. Platinum Jubilee Beacon Ceremony at Peterborough Town Hall attended by Mayor of Peterborough Alan Dowson and Mayoress Shabina Qayyum
A bugle solo was part of the ceremony. Photo: David Lowndes
6. Peterborough's Platinum Jubilee beacon lighting
The Platinum Jubilee beacon. Photo: David Lowndes
7. Peterborough's Platinum Jubilee beacon lighting
Crowds watch on as the beacon is lit. Photo: David Lowndes
8. Peterborough's Platinum Jubilee beacon lighting
Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Jaspal Singh (centre) with MP for Peterborough Paul Bristow and Council leader Wayne Fitzgerald. Photo: David Lowndes