Crawley Jubilee beacon suffers technical hitch

A technical hitch saw Crawley’s Jubilee beacon mark the Queen’s 70th year on the throne with light bulbs rather than flames.

The gas-fuelled beacon, in Tilgate Park, blazed proudly during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

But when it was checked shortly before the nationwide light-up last Thursday (June 2), the gas system wouldn’t work.

A council spokesman said: “We conducted a risk assessment and sought health and safety advice on alternative options including fire.

“However, the only option for the event at this time was to use a lighting installation with flicker flame effect.

“We are exploring options as to how we can fix the beacon to ensure it is ready for future events.”

Despite the disappointment of not being able to add Crawley’s flame to the thousands of beacons and bonfires which lit up the skies nationwide, the light bulbs looked pretty enough, having been switched on by mayor Jilly Hart.

And there were plenty of other jubilee celebrations across the borough.

The spokesman added: “The beacon events were all about bringing communities together to recognise the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“We very much wanted Crawley to be part of the national celebrations.

“Lights were also used for other beacons including Hove and the principal beacon at Buckingham Palace.

“Our event followed the suggested official Queen’s Platinum Jubilee beacon event format which included singing Song for the Commonwealth and the specially designed Majesty bugle call.

“The national anthem did not feature in the event guidance.”