Further details on how Leighton will celebrate Queen's 90th birthday

The town council is collaborating with the Rotary Club of Leighton-Linslade to organise the lighting of a birthday beacon at Parson’s Close Recreation Ground.

The April 21 celebration will begin with the Leighton Buzzard Fun Runners carrying torches on a seven-mile run around the parish, starting at the Hare pub, Linslade at 6.15 pm and finishing at the Market Cross at 7.30 pm.

At 7.30 pm members of the Scout Association (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorer Scouts together with adult leaders) will move from All Saints Church (where they will have celebrated the annual St George’s Day service and 100 years of Cub Scouting), to the recreation ground to form a Guard of Honour accompanied by a full Peel of Bells from All Saints Church.

At 7.45 pm nine torches will be carried by Cub Scouts to the recreation ground, escorted by parishioners aged to represent the nine decades of the Queen’s life - who were nominated through the LBO.

At 8.10 pm the main beacon will be lit by the Town Mayor and then at 8.15 pm there will be a firework display (to the accompaniment of music themed similarly to the Last Night of the Proms).

At the conclusion of the fireworks there will be a rendition of Happy Birthday and the National Anthem followed by another full Peel of Bells by All Saints Church.