Beacons across Dorset were lit up last night to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The monarch herself started the process by illuminating the Commonwealth of Nations Globe at Windsor Castle, which sent a river of light to Buckingham Palace, where the Duke of Cambridge watched as the Tree of Trees sculpture was bathed in light.

The palace beacon was one of more than 3,500 around the UK and the Commonwealth, including the Tower of London, Windsor Great Park, Hillsborough Castle, the Queen’s estates of Sandringham and Balmoral, and on top of the UK’s four highest peaks.

WATCH: See the beacon lighting in Bournemouth on our Facebook Live

Bournemouth Echo:

In Dorset, beacons were lit at Mudeford Quay, Bournemouth's East Cliff where the Jon Egging memorial stands, and Sandbanks in Poole.

There were also lightings in Wareham, Blandford and Wimborne.

Jon Weaver, head of destination and events for BCP Council: “It’s a great time to celebrate not only the Queen but also what we’ve been through over the last few years.”

Mayor, Robert Lawton: “It’s an honour and a privilege to light the beacon for Bournemouth.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Cllr David Kelsey: “It’s great for the town and it’s great for the Queen. We’ve had beacon lightings before, but this is the busiest one I’ve been to."

There were also fireworks at Bournemouth and Poole as part of the events.

Layla, Bournemouth resident: “We’re going to the jubilee concert in London. I just thought it’s important to show my youngest daughter what it’s all about by taking her to something local before. It’s a once in a lifetime thing.”

Gina. “It was a spectacular firework display. It brings the community together.”

Bournemouth Echo:

In Mudeford, Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Avril Coulton lit the beacon, which was created by ReidSteel.

The quayside was packed with thousands of people keen to witness the historic event as part of the jubilee celebrations.