Breckland Council to light East Anglia’s tallest Platinum Jubilee beacon: Swaffham Ecocity turbine designed by Wembley architect Sir Norman Foster
The Swaffham Ecocity Turbine will be illuminated in royal purple and flaming red on Thursday, making it the tallest beacon in East Anglia lit up in honour of the Platinum Jubilee.
The iconic 100-metre tall turbine will be lit up with powerful coloured lighting by Breckland Council, as part of its tribute to Her Majesty. Beacons across the district, county, and country will also be lit at 9.30pm on Thursday (June 2) to mark the celebration.
This special Jubilee illumination has been planned to be visible for miles around, although the turbine site will be closed to the public, ensuring public safety on the small industrial site where the turbine is based.
Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Breckland leader, commented: “We are delighted to transform this iconic structure into the tallest beacon in East Anglia.
"Her Majesty and the Royal Family have a long association with Norfolk and Breckland, therefore we are thrilled to play our part in this national celebration and to thank her for her wonderful 70 years’ service and dedication to our country.”
The turbine stands at more than 100 metres tall to the tip of its blades and helps power 1,000 homes. It was designed by Sir Norman Foster, the same architect who designed the new Wembley Stadium.
The beacon illumination is just part of a package of events and schemes, developed by Breckland Council, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
The district council is launching a £10,000 educational bursary for local students, whilst £12,000 has been distributed to help local Breckland communities mark the Jubilee with special events, sports events and picnics.
The council is currently running a high street Jubilee discovery trail in its five market towns, including Swaffham.
Drones are also being used to capture images and videos across Breckland, capturing iconic light show images featuring the Jubilee logo, which will help record this once in a lifetime celebration.
