Southend is joining others across the UK in lighting a beacon as it plays its part in significant royal celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

There are more than 1,500 beacons being lit across the nation and Commonwealth on Thursday, June 2 to kick off the four-day Jubilee weekend.

The lighting of the beacon will take place at Southend Cenotaph in Clifftown Parade as part of the official programme of events.

Stephen George, leader of Southend Council, said: "It is a great honour to be lighting the Queen’s Jubilee Beacon.

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"Not only will it be a wonderful event to bring our city and its communities together, but we will be lighting one of over 1,500 simultaneously with the rest of the UK and the Commonwealth, bringing together our nation whilst we mark this historical event.

"I would like to thank those involved in the planning of this event and hope that the city’s residents and visitors will join together at the Cenotaph for the beacon lighting."

The event starts with a solo piper performance by Iain Allen at 9.35pm.

Brass player David Hurrell will follow, performing “Majesty”.

After the lighting of the beacon at 9.45pm, a choir of about 70 singers will come together to form the Southend City Chorus performing a specially commissioned “Song for the Commonwealth, A Life lived with Grace”.