JUBILEE Beacons were lit across the Isle of Wight on Thursday (June 2), to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The fires were lit on the Island, alongside scores of others around the UK and Commonwealth.

Thousands of Islanders headed to see their nearest beacon lit at 9.45pm, with music, pipers, entertainment and a proclamation before many of the events.

The lightings kick started a long weekend of Queen's Platinum Jubilee picnics, street parties and music (between June 2 and June 5).

Here are six of the best photos capturing the lighting of the Island's beacons.

Bembridge Beacon

Captured by Gary Bennett.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Bembridge's Beacon, on Culver Down, was given special dispensation to be lit early, but all the others were lit at 9.45pm.

Crowds enjoyed a spectacular view of the south coast of England and the English Channel.

St Catherine's Oratory Beacon

Isle of Wight County Press: Niton Beacon.Niton Beacon.

At St Catherine's Oratory - also known as the Pepperpot - Islanders hiked up the hill to watch the lighting of the Jubilee Beacon.

Ryde Beacon

Captured by Christopher Jackson.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Christopher Jackson, who took the photo above, and Andy Newman represented Isle of Wight Pride at the well attended Beacon Lighting Ceremony at Ryde Marina.

East Cowes Beacon

Isle of Wight County Press: East Cowes Beacon.East Cowes Beacon.

East Cowes's Jubilee Beacon, with Cllr Karl Love and Mayor Tracy Reardon.

Music preceded the official lighting, with The Doors' Light My Fire performed by Dave and Laura Priddle. 

Yarmouth Beacon

Captured by Steve Cowley.

Isle of Wight County Press:

More than 500 people gathered on the green at Yarmouth, some in response to the Town Crier’s Proclamation, to see Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Mary Case and Yarmouth Mayor Steve Cowley light the Platinum Jubilee Beacon.

The Needles Beacon

Captured by Sophie Hale.

Isle of Wight County Press:

In the West Wight, at the iconic Needles Battery, a long walk along the cliff did not deter the crowd

Bonus: Not a photo, but Ian Plested's video of the Totland Beacon burning featured on BBC's South Today on Friday (June 3).