Kingston’s beacon for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be lit on a boat in the middle of the River Thames tomorrow.
Kingston’s beacon for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be lit on a boat in the middle of the River Thames tomorrow.
Mayor Mary Heathcote will have the honours of lighting the flame on the Richmond Venturer at around 10.15pm on a boat that will be moored in the centre of the River Thames, opposite the Minima Yacht Club.
Mayor Heathcote said: “It is very fitting to have it on the Thames because of the history that the river has in the town. The location is perfect; it is where so many people can see it.”
The public will be able to view the flame from viewing points along the Riverside Walk between Kingston Bridge and the Queen’s promenade.
Previously Kingston Council had requested that All Saints Church Kingston have the borough’s jubilee flame on its roof top, but the church were forced to decline as it would be impossible to insure.
On Monday a network of over 4,000 beacons across the UK, Channels Islands and the Isle of Man will be lit by communities to celebrate Her Majesty’s 60 year reign.
The Richmond Venturer is apart of the River Thames Boat Project, a charity designed to encourage access to the Thames for people of all ages and abilities.
“The event is a tribute to the charity and the people who use it, as it enables them to access the river and learn about the surrounding environment,” Mayor Heathcote said.
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