A STRING of beacons is set to illuminate Tynedale to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June.

Up to six could be lit on high ground around the Hexham area as part of a national chain of lights on June 4.

A day of music and entertainment is also planned, including a special musical programme going back six decades to the 1950s when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.

A special working group has been set up to oversee plans to celebrate the diamond jubilee in Tynedale.

And Coun Terry Robson, who leads the group, said: “We are very excited about this, it can be great entertainment for everybody.”

The working group, under the auspices of Hexham Town Council, is working alongside the Hexham Community Partnership.

It is also in liaison with the tourism partnership at Hadrian’s Wall, where a long string of beacons was lit in 2010.

Original plans for a bonfire on The Sele at Hexham were discounted because of the danger with dry grass in summer heat.

Now six beacons on offer from Hadrian’s Wall could be set up at high points such as Hexham Racecourse, Acomb Fell, Sandhoe Hill and Warden.

The Sele in the centre of Hexham will be the starting-point for the first beacon, but Coun Robson added: “We are hoping to set up beacons in these other areas and will be talking to them.

“Hexham is co-ordinated into the national scheme of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons on June 4 and we will be given a switch-on time.

“The racecourse would be the highest point and all in all this should be a great day for the region. We have ideas to develop and we have a good working group consisting of people across the community.”

A picnic in the park at The Sele and a Core Music programme at the adjacent Queen’s Hall theatre are also on the agenda.

Top local acts are being lined up to take part in afternoon and evening sessions and charities may be offered stalls.

“It all has loads and loads of promise,” said Coun Robson. “The very fact that Hexham is such a musical town with so many musical talents makes this sort of jubilee celebration ideal.”

From 1pm to 4pm there will be a ‘Jubilee Jam’ with the Jubilee Band, featuring the music and songs of the past 60 years.

And from 7pm there will be dance performance with Bad Taste Cru and from 8pm The Jubilee Band plus guests.

The beacons will be lit around 10pm as darkness falls.