On Thursday 2nd June 2022 our County will be hosting the lighting of one of 70 Beacons across the Girlguiding London and South East Region for the “Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

This event will be taking place at the Willow Tree Centre in Harefield from 7.30pm to 10.15pm with the lighting of the beacon just before 10pm. The timing of the lighting of the beacon links with when all the other beacons are being lit across the UK. This free family event is open to all Girlguiding members in Middlesex North West, to attend with their family and friends. There will be a limited amount of spaces available, so tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis. You can apply by completing the application form below (link for form).

We are running a competition for young members to have the opportunity to light the beacon on the night. More information on how to enter can be found here!

There will be stalls selling items such as glow in the dark crowns and wands. There will also be Queens Jubilee merchandise to purchase, as well as a specially designed county badge for the event. Hot and cold drinks will be on sale, and you have the opportunity to toast some smores and you can purchase a souvenir campfire booklet to join in with all the songs. All stalls will be cash only sales.

The event will start with our annual “Share the Light Campfire” where everyone can get involved with singing along to your favourite campfire songs; this will then be followed by the official lighting of the beacon, before the event draws to a close.

Getting to the event and access onto the site will be by foot via public footpaths, the main path to the site is from Breakspear Road. This footpath runs alongside the Middlesex Stadium into the adjoining field and adjacent to the campsite and is around a 15 minute walk, (see the attached link for the map and suggested route.) There is limited roadside parking in the area as well as car parks; parking restrictions may apply. Please note the car parks do close prior to the event finishing. Recommended transport is the H13 bus with this route stopping at the lido or on Bury Street. (see attached link for suggested route and map)

As the main access to the site is via footpaths and the event takes place on grass, we strongly recommend you wear sensible shoes and clothing as the ground will be uneven. Please bring with you something to sit on like camping chairs, picnic blankets, or cushions. No glass of any kind is to be brought on to site and you will need a torch for the return walk to your vehicles. There will be a number of toilet facilities on site for everyone to use during the event.

Parking on site will be reserved for those with accessibility needs, please note there may be limited access to some areas of the campsite. There will be access to toilet facilities.

We are still in need of volunteers to help run the event, we also welcome Rangers or Young Leaders who would like to volunteer, this would also go towards the Rangers Volunteering Badge or Module 5 of the Young Leadership Qualification. If anyone could spare some time to help set up on the day, run a stall, help with the arrival, marshalling of people, join in with the campfire singing and assist with tidying up afterwards, please get in touch here.

This is going to be a fun family event for everyone across our county to join in with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. It will be something for everyone to remember for years to come, as we are so pleased and proud to host the lighting of the Beacon. We look forward to seeing you there.