Lewis Merthyr head to capital for platinum performance

This week the nation will celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and South Wales' Lewis Merthyr Band will play a central role in the UK capital

On Thursday June 2nd, following the Trooping of the Colour and Red Arrows Fly Past, London Bridge City will be lighting a Beacon for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as the culmination of an action-packed day of celebration at The Scoop, City Hall on the Thames Bank

The Beacon is one of thousands being lit in the UK and the Commonwealth, and forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee Weekend.

The ceremony at the Thames Bank will feature performances from the UK's premier Rapper Sword Dance group, The Tower Ravens, a performance by young Scottish piper Thomas Crawley, and a performance by one of Wales' oldest brass bands, Lewis Merthyr

The schedule for the beacon lighting ceremony is as follows:

7.30-9.15pm Performance from the Lewis Merthyr Band
9:30pm Performance from Tower Ravens Rapper Dancers
9:35pm Thomas Crawley, piper, will play ‘Diu Regnare’
9:40pm Bugle call ‘Majesty’ for official lighting of the beacon by Lewis Merthyr cornet section
9:45pm Official lighting of the beacon
9:45pm Lewis Merthyr Band and singers to perform Song for the Commonwealth "A Life Lived With Grace"

Speaking about the performance, Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of The Queen’s Jubilee Platinum Beacons, stated:

“Building on a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark significant royal celebrations, thousands of beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth They will enable local communities to join together to pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official programme of events.

"For the first time, town criers, pipers, buglets and choirs from the UK and the Commonwealth will come together to join in the celebrations in their own individual and special way. It is wonderful to see the range of support for beacon lighting, which will highlight both the diversity and unity of the nation and the Commonwealth. The Queen has lit up our lives for 70 years through her dedicated service and commitment. We would like to light up the nation and the Commonwealth in her honour."

Speaking on behalf of Lewis Merthyr Band, Musical Director Craig Roberts told BBW: "The band are delighted to be featuring in this event in the heart of London to celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee and are thoroughly looking forward to the performance and experience."

All the above events at The Scoop are free to attend - no tickets are required - but please be aware that capacity will be limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis


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