Newly-refurbished Hove Beacon to be lit for Jubilee

The lighting of Hove Beacon will join hundreds of others across the country and the Commonwealth, but will also mark the completion of a project to light the beacon nightly with LED lights, rather than fire.

Councillors Robert Nemeth and Garry Peltzer Dunn were able to raise funds for the project as part of last year’s council budget negotiations, after being inspired to do so by Audrey Buttimer - who lit the beacon as Mayoress of Hove in 1988 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

As part of the refurbishment, the cage on top of the beacon was rebuilt to properly prepare it as an illuminated attraction to light a dark area of the seafront.

Councillors Gary Peltzer Dunn, left, and Robert Nemeth in front of Hove Beacon (Image: Conservatives)

Cllr Nemeth said: “During the course of putting this all together, we have heard many recall how they were present when the beacon was lit in 1988, often as children, or again in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee.

“No doubt similar memories will be created when the beacon is lit for the Platinum Jubilee - we certainly hope so.

“Cllr Peltzer Dunn and I have been concerned for some years now about the neglect of the Hove Beacon and have been pushing for a major improvement in all sorts of ways throughout that period.

“Lighting the Beacon on such a prestigious occasion will be a huge honour.”

Celebrations begin from 8.45pm tomorrow just south of Hove Lagoon, and will involve the Hangleton Brass Band, the bell-ringers of St Leonard’s Church and a few speeches before the beacon is lit at 9.45pm.

Councillor Martin Osbourne, who co-chairs the tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “It will be wonderful to see the Hove Beacon shine out over the seafront once more, as we join the national celebrations.

“It’s also fitting that the project will have a lasting legacy, creating an improved and safer seafront for our residents and visitors.”