Holding a torch for Her Majesty

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

Claire Amos, chairman of Leighton Fun Runners, said: “We have more than 20 fun runners who will be starting at different parts around the town, it is a fun run and not a race.

“The runners will be going to different pubs around the town and the torch will be lit in different places, by the time they get to the High Street there will be nine torches.

“We are very glad to be helping the town council celebrate The Queen’s birthday.

“We will have a gazebo in the park with information about Leighton Fun Runners, if anyone is interested in joining a fun running club, pop in and see us.”

The torch relay route starts at The Hare Inn and then to Tesco Express, Bideford Green 6.20pm, Globe Inn 6.35pm, The Stag pub 6.50pm, Clay Pipe pub 7pm, Meadow Way Community Centre 7.10pm, Brooklands Residents Association 7.15pm, Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway 7.25pm, Morrisons 7.30pm, finishing at the Market Cross.

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

The main beacon will be lit by the Town Mayor at 8.10pm, followed by a firework display.

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