Beacons across Andover were lit up last night to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The monarch herself started the process by illuminating the Commonwealth of Nations Globe at Windsor Castle, which sent a river of light to Buckingham Palace, where the Duke of Cambridge watched as the Tree of Trees sculpture was bathed in light.

The palace beacon was one of more than 3,500 around the UK and the Commonwealth, including the Tower of London, Windsor Great Park, Hillsborough Castle, the Queen’s estates of Sandringham and Balmoral, and on top of the UK’s four highest peaks.

Hundreds of people flocked to Charlton Leisure Park to enjoy an evening of music that culminated in the jubilee beacon lighting.

The beacon was constructed by Hurstbourne Forge, a metal workshop in Andover.

It is four meters tall and features a metal basket that weighs 135 kilograms, as well as a plaque displaying the village crest. The post is made of solid oak.

The celebration will featured live music performed by Test Valley Brass, local solo musician Midge, and Irish band Kilcannon.

Speaking previously, Cllr Clive Ward, of Charlton Parish Council, said that he hopes the celebration will be “a nice little event”, calling it “a genuine celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee”.