KILLYLEAGH was the main centre for the district’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The town, which has its very own Royal connections, hosted a number of events to mark Her Majesty’s 60-year reign, including a fancy dress parade, sports day festivities and football tournament at the Bridge Centre.
There was street entertainment in High Street with the highlight of the Killyleagh celebrations the lighting of the jubilee beacon outside the historic castle on Monday evening, with the ceremony performed by two local primary schoolchildren.
Dawson Morrow (St. Mary’s PS) and Scott Ferguson (Killyleagh PS) had the honour of lighting the beacon in front of a crowd of several hundred people, with the images captured by television crews.
Events in Killyleagh concluded on Monday night with a spectacular fireworks display with the pyrotechnics shooting into the night sky from the top of the castle.
Elsewhere, there were Diamond Jubilee events in Downpatrick and Ballynahinch, with a number of local schools participating in various events.
Mount Crescent in Downpatrick was closed to traffic on Monday for a jubilee street party, while the monarch’s 60-year reign was marked with events at Ballynahinch’s Langley Road playing fields yesterday afternoon.
Last Saturday, Down Cathedral was packed to overflowing for a special Diamond Jubilee service, with the historic church resounding with brass, organ and choir music in a majestic celebration of the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.
Guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Co. Down David Lindsay with the church service attended by people from all over the diocese of Down and Dromore at the invitation of Dean Henry Hull.
They joined Bishop Harold Miller, local politicians and clergy to honour 60 years of a reign marked by service and constancy, with the special address delivered by Lady Christine Eames.
A beacon was also lit on top of Slieve Donard, high above Newcastle, on Monday evening.
Rowallane councillor Billy Walker, who attended jubilee events in Killyleagh and Ballynahinch, has praised organisers for their efforts to mark the Queen’s 60-year reign.
He paid particular tribute to the Killyleagh Heritage Association for organising a series of events in the town which were extremely well supported.
Councillor Walker added: “Several hundred people came out in force on Monday night for the lighting of the beacon and the fireworks display and there was a real buzz about the town.
“It was great to see so many young people taking part in the celebrations and in later years it is something they will be able to look back on and remember with pride.”