Jubilee Celebrations Across Northern Ireland

Sixty Jubilee beacons have been lit across Northern Ireland to celebrate the Queen’s sixty years on the throne.

The first was lit at 10pm yesterday in Carrickfergus, with events unrolling across the province’s cities and landmarks thereafter.

At Northern Ireland’s highest point, Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains, a beacon was lit at exactly the same time as corresponding lights in the highest peaks of England, Scotland and Wales.

And Belfast's new mayor Gavin Robinson joined with Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland to light the newly-restored Millennium Beacon at the Lagan Weir.

The ceremonial illuminations were just part of a weekend of celebrations across Northern Ireland to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

Street parties and fairs took place and a concert in Lisburn featured Queen tribute act Flash Harry.

Up to 3,000 guests attended a knees-up at Broughshane in County Antrim and the Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall both held formal tea dances.

A 21-gun royal salute at Hillsborough Castle, the royal family's official County Down residence, marked the anniversary of the 1953 coronation.

And many people joined their celebrations with another historic event this weekend.

In the north Antrim village of Glynn, a sign read 'Glynn Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Welcome The Olympic Torch'.

More than 4,000 Jubilee beacons were lit in the UK and around the world, culminating in the Queen lighting the final beacon at Buckingham Palace.

(NE)