Queen's 90th birthday marked in spectacular style

A fireworks display brought Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's celebrations of the Queen's 90th birthday to a spectacular conclusion on Thursday evening.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Apr 2016, 22:02 BST
Updated 21st Apr 2016, 23:05 BST
Brody Johnston having fun at Carrickfergus promenade. INCT 16-011-PSBBrody Johnston having fun at Carrickfergus promenade. INCT 16-011-PSB
Brody Johnston having fun at Carrickfergus promenade. INCT 16-011-PSB

The display that illuminated the sky over Carrickfergus Castle - backdrop to Queen Elizabeth II’s famous visit to the town in 1961 - followed the lighting of a beacon to mark the royal milestone.

The short ceremony, which included the reading of a birthday message from Prince Charles to his mother, was led by the Vice Lord Lieutenant for Country Antrim, Richard Reade DL and MEA Mayor, Councillor Billy Ashe.

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The Fisherman’s Quay beacon was part of a nation-wide chain of beacons in which the principal one was lit by the Queen.

Lesley-Anne Kinnon with Madison, Daniel, Harry and Mason enjoying the Queen`s 90th birthday celebrations. INCT 16-022-PSBLesley-Anne Kinnon with Madison, Daniel, Harry and Mason enjoying the Queen`s 90th birthday celebrations. INCT 16-022-PSB
Lesley-Anne Kinnon with Madison, Daniel, Harry and Mason enjoying the Queen`s 90th birthday celebrations. INCT 16-022-PSB

Hosted by MEA Council, spectators also enjoyed music and entertainment along Carrickfergus promenade in the build-up with around 2,000 people - double the number originally anticipated - in attendance on a clear spring evening.

Earlier in the day, the borough resounded to the peal of church bells to herald the start of a variety of birthday celebrations.

Related topics:QueenPrince CharlesCarrickfergus CastleMayor