People celebrating the Queen’s platinum jubilee have described a FRONT MARINE beacon as “disappointing”.
Last year, more than £ 15,000 in funding was raised to install LED lights on the beacon as a celebration of the Queen’s 70th birthday on the throne.
But some spectators were expecting a real fire and have expressed their disappointment with last night’s lighting.
Robert Nemeth, a Conservative adviser to Wish Ward, called for people to “give it a try.”
He said the function will continue as a permanent reminder of the jubilee and praised the effort of the volunteers to offer a free event for more than 3,000 people.
The beacon after it has been lit. Image by Simon Dack
Doug Hillman of Hove said the night was a waste of time and he could not hear what was being said on the public address system.
He said: “This was an hour in my life that I will never return.
“Hundreds of people showed up to witness the promised lighting along with bells, speeches and singers.
“The new electric lighting that was supposed to represent a wooden brazier appeared to be dimly lit branches and was completely disappointing.”
Thousands attended the volunteer-led ceremony
Other members of the audience shared similar reviews on Facebook.
Raymond Price described the lighthouse as “pathetic”, while Thomas Banks described the cost of the lighthouse as “embarrassing”.
The money for the beacon included the design, installation of the lights, connection to the mains, including the excavation of a ditch and maintenance.
The beacon will automatically light up every night as a permanent fixture on Hove’s boardwalk.
Several people on social media supported the lighthouse and the retirement event.
The Hove Lighthouse was erected in 1988 as a replica of the original 400 years earlier. Image by Simon Dack
Gail Branch said, “It brought the community together. Instead of being lit from time to time, it will be a permanent feature of this corner of the promenade.”
Barry Foley added: “It will serve as a long – term reminder of the platinum jubilee, unlike the actual, more dramatic beacons of fire.
“The weather was nice and last night was an opportunity for all the locals to get together, chat and have a drink. Very good to everyone involved. ”
The beacon will light automatically every night. Image by Simon Dack
Former Councilor Joe Miller secured funding from the Budget Council in February 2021. The idea was originally proposed by Cllr Nemeth and Councilor Garry Peltzer-Dunn as annual lighting.
However, a more environmentally friendly idea of using LED lighting instead of a traditional beacon was proposed.
Cllr Nemeth told The Argus: “In the absence of a council policy to light our local beacons with fire, I am proud that we, as volunteers, can offer a free large-scale event with a budget of shoes for more than 3,000 people.
Garry Peltzer Dunn, Eleni Shiarlis and Robert Nemeth of the Hove Beacon
“Although the lighting of the long-awaited permanent and subtle LED scheme is not the same as the actual fire, it ultimately has a different purpose and will remain a reminder of the Jubilee once all the others have been extinguished. fires.
“The music was great, the atmosphere was wonderful and the weather was perfect. I would like to try to organize a community event with real fire in the future if there are enough people willing to help.
“While these things require a lot of work to carry out, they are often not obvious. I am very grateful to everyone who has helped and supported me this time.”
He has approached Brighton and Hove Town Hall for comment.