Beacon for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee lit in Middleton

Date published: 08 June 2022

A special beacon to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was lit in Middleton on Thursday (2 June).

New mayor Councillor Ali Ahmed lit the beacon in Jubilee Park, accompanied by distinguished guests including the Queen’s Representatives - deputy lieutenants Ian Sandiford and Asrar Ul-Haq.

A performance by the Cantare Choir followed the lighting, one of more than 2,000 beacons lit by charities, communities and faith groups across the UK to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.

However, local attendees have reported feeling "frustated" and "disappointed" as they were unable to hear the speeches due to the PA system failing. 

One attendee told Rochdale Online: “We couldn’t hear a word of what was said - they were tucked behind a wall out of sight - and we were told the PA system didn’t work. The choir couldn’t be heard they were stood outside the church ground. 

“It would have been much better to have the speeches and the choir in the church ground to enable people to see and hear them. 

“People started to sing and were told by a lady from the council that the choir was singing - the choir could not be heard. 

“Such a beautiful setting and occasion, however, instead of having a wonderful memory of what is such a monumental event, we were left feeling extremely deflated and frustrated with the evening.”

A spokesman for Rochdale Borough Council said: “We were proud to be part of this momentous celebration, lighting a beacon in Jubilee Park for this unique milestone. 

“Although it had been tested the day before, unfortunately the PA system failed which would have made it difficult for some of the crowd to hear the short speeches. 

“The event was in Jubilee Park, therefore those who gathered behind the wall in the adjacent church grounds had a restricted view of the dignitaries and beacon.

“However, the evening was well attended and we received much positive feedback from many guests.”

Councillor Ahmed said: “We are so proud to be part of this momentous celebration.

“It is appropriate that this unique milestone in history is marked with a beacon and music at our historic Jubilee Park which was opened to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1889.

“The borough is honoured to be part of this special event for Her Majesty’s 70th year as our monarch and head of the Commonwealth.”

Read more: Castleton beacon lit for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrationsPublished: 06 June 2022