A BEACON will be lit on Kinver Edge tonight (Thursday (April 21) to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday.

Celebrations will start at 8pm on the Hill Fort by the toposcope, with talks from local councillors and a reading of a message from Prince Charles.

Then, after a chorus of the national anthem, a beacon will be lit at 8.30pm and the crowd will be invited to sing Happy Birthday to the monarch and anyone celebrating their birthday today.

People can walk to the top of the Edge from Kinver village and free layby parking will be available at the Ranger’s Yard (DY7 6HU) which is a ten-minute walk uphill to the beacon.

Those attending are urged to wear sturdy shoes and take a good torch as it will be dark by the end of the celebrations.

Dudley Castle is also among the many venues across the land hosting beacon lighting ceremonies to mark Her Majesty’s milestone birthday.

The first beacon will be lit by The Queen herself at Windsor Castle and then more than 1,000 will light up the skies across the country and in UK territories overseas.

As well as at churches, National Trust and English Heritage properties, in country parks, on farms, country estates and village greens and lighthouses – beacons will be lit on top of the four highest peaks in the UK - Ben Nevis, Mount Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Slieve Donard thanks to efforts by The Army Cadet Force.