Oldest lighthouse in East Anglia to undergo paint transformation, refurbishing “iconic” stripes

The Happisburgh Lighthouse will be undergoing a transformation to make sure it’s summer-ready for flaming June.

The 85ft tower is being re-painted with its iconic red and white bands, the first time the outside of the lighthouse has been painted in almost a decade.

The last repaint in 2009 was supported by Sandtex paint, who have lent a helping hand this year by donating 150 litres of specially mixed red masonry paint.

Residents and visitors to north Norfolk are being invited to get a last look at the lighthouse before it is closed for the repaint.

Happisburgh, nominated as Village of the Year. Happisburgh Lighthouse. Picture: Antony Kelly

The public are also invited to climb the lighthouse’s 112 stairs…

Patrick Tubby, chair of Happisburgh Lighthouse Trust, says: “We are expecting big crowds next weekend to see the lighthouse before it gets a new coat of paint.

“The re-painting will be a major but necessary operation to restore the iconic red and white bands to their full glory. By night the lighthouse flashes three times every thirty seconds, but by day it is that distinct colour scheme that helps mariners get their bearings.”

He continues: “We are delighted to once again be working with Sandtex paints, and are extremely grateful for the paint and other materials that have been donated.

Happisburgh Lighthouse was saved by the local community thirty years ago, and the re-painting should generate even more interest in its history and its future.”

The lighthouse was threatened with closure in 1988 before being saved by a trust, and is now the oldest working light in East Anglia, having been opened in 1791.

There will be a further nine open days from 21 July to September 2. Saturday 21 July will be a special open day to celebrate the re-painting of Happisburgh Lighthouse.

The picture here (right) shows some of the specially mixed 150 litres of Sandtex red masonry paint that will give the Happisburgh Lighthouse its own very special red and white bands.

This story is from The Eastern Daily Press