Details of celebrations revealed as beacon marks Queen's birthday

The Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim, Mrs Joan Christie OBE and the Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett, officiated at the Beacon Lighting Ceremony. Elected Members of Council and the Council’s Chief Executive, Dr Theresa Donaldson were in attendance.

A personal message from the Prince of Wales was read to those assembled and the Mayor delivered a message of thanks for the Queen’s dedicated and constant service.

The Council also unveiled a banner on its Civic Headquarters building, Lagan Valley Island, prior to the Beacon Lighting, to launch events and initiatives it will hold in honour of the Queen’s 90th Birthday.

An exhibition to open in the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum on Monday April 25 will look back at the Queen’s 90 years. This will include displays of royal memorabilia, images and literature relating to royal visits to Lisburn and footage from Lisburn Camera Club’s 1953 film ‘A Royal Occasion’, a step back in time, showing Lisburn at the time of the Queen’s Coronation.

The Mayor will host Afternoon Tea for all those senior citizens in the Lisburn and Castlereagh Council Area who reach the age of 90 during 2016 and the Council will also host a 21 Gun Royal Salute on Saturday June 11 in Hillsborough Fort.

There will be 1500 free-of-charge tickets which will be made available for members of the public to attend the event. The Council will promote details regarding the release of the tickets in mid-May.

A Civic Event will also take place in Hillsborough Castle on June 11, where representatives from the local community, business, education and voluntary sectors will be invited to attend.

Councillor Thomas Beckett said: “On behalf of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council we wish Queen Elizabeth II a very happy birthday. Her Majesty is one of the most revered persons in the world, and, as our longest-reigning Monarch, has carried out her role with a calm dignity and a steadfast assurance.

Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee, said: “I am very pleased that the Council is marking this very important occasion with the Beacon Lighting Ceremony, and, with other initiatives planned over the next two months.”