Flaming torches and fireworks marked the start of the Heathfield Jubilee celebrations.

Heathfield Jubilee celebrations 2022

It’s difficult to beat the drama of flaming torches and the lighting of a traditional beacon. Residents of Heathfield were treated to a wonderful Jubilee celebration last Thursday 2 June to mark the start of the Queen’s Jubilee long weekend.

Heathfield & District Bonfire Society (HDBS) worked closely with Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council (HWPC) and 1st Heathfield Scouts to put on the event which included a BBQ catered by The Half Moon Inn, a cake sale by Heathfield Scouts, music from Skull Drummery and The Cake and Wine Choir. There was a short torch lit procession led by HDBS Captain of Banners Thomas Keep and their Captain of Fiery Pieces Rob Baker with his flaming crown, HDBS members. Heathfield Scouts and Skull Drummery followed behind with the Captain of Barrels, Colin Keeley and Deputy Captain of Barrels, Ben Weston bringing up the rear. Allan Marchant, an HDBS member, had handmade a giant set piece of ‘7 EIIR 0’ with lance work which set the regal scene. 

Once the procession had made its way to the beacon, Patrick Coffey, Vice Chair of the Parish Council, came forward to say a few words to the crowd of spectators.

Representatives from HDBS (HDBS Capt. of Fundraising Jo Hensman) and Heathfield Scouts then came forward and for the lighting ceremony. A large crowd of local residents watched in tense anticipation as the taper was lit with a flaming torch; the fire slowly reached the base of the beacon’s basket and shot up to light the basket. A fantastic moment, which went off with a bang at 9.45pm when beacons across the nation and commonwealth were also being lit. 

Following the beacon ceremony the 70 lancework was lit, it was accompanied by a small low noise fireworks display and the Cake and Wine Choir sang the National Anthem. The crowd joined in the singing with the celebrations continuing until the finale Sweet Caroline was belted out triumphantly.

“We would like to thank all our volunteers who were involved in the night including marshals from HDBS and HWPC, the Scouts with their procession tail vehicle and Mick Gosden for our First Aid cover. A wonderful community event to have been involved in and we are so proud to have been a part of it,” commented Dave Shoebridge, Vice Chair of HDBS.

Thanks to Bliss Ells and Alison Mitch for the wonderful photographs.