3 June, 2002

The world’s coolest street party took place today (Monday 3 June) at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station, to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Twenty scientists and support staff ignited the only Antarctic gas-fired beacon as part of a Golden Jubilee Summer Party commemorative chain of 1800 beacons across the UK, Channel Islands, Commonwealth and other countries around the world. In the midst of winter darkness, staff enjoyed an outdoor feast of crown of lamb, roast beef, turkey, chicken and vegetables and a small ration of champagne ? in sub zero temperatures of ? 20?C. Please credit video clips and stills to the British Antarctic Survey Issued by the British Antarctic Survey Press Office.