Mark your calendars for an unforgettable event that blends history, community, and the thrill of shortwave radio: the International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend (ILLW) on August 17-18, 2024! This annual celebration runs from 12:00am on Saturday to 12:00am on Sunday (UTC), bringing together radio enthusiasts and lighthouse lovers from around the world.
A Brief History
The ILLW started in 1998 with the aim of promoting public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and their need for preservation and restoration, as well as to promote amateur radio. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, with hundreds of lighthouses and lightships participating each year. This event is not a contest, but a fun weekend where radio amateurs set up their gear at lighthouses and lightships, transmitting signals to connect with fellow enthusiasts across the world. Shortwave listeners can monitor amateur “contacts” around the globe.
Interesting to note!
Over the years, ILLW has produced some memorable moments:
- Surprise Visitors: In 2015, a group of radio operators set up at a remote lighthouse in Scotland, only to be joined by a family of curious seals who seemed fascinated by the antennas and cables!
- Unexpected Weather: During the 2010 event, operators at a lighthouse in New Zealand were caught in an unexpected snowstorm. Despite the chilly conditions, they managed to keep their signals strong and enjoyed hot cocoa while making contacts.
- Ghostly Encounters: Some participants swear they’ve experienced ghostly activities at historic lighthouses. One operator reported hearing mysterious footsteps and seeing flickering lights in an old, supposedly haunted lighthouse in Ireland!
Join the Fun
Australia is home to many participating lighthouses, offering a unique opportunity for shortwave radio enthusiasts to be part of this historic event. Whether you’re setting up your station at a lighthouse or connecting from your home setup, the ILLW is a chance to share in a global tradition that celebrates our maritime heritage.
How to Participate
- **Find a Lighthouse**: Check the ILLW website for a list of participating lighthouses in your area.
- **Set Up Your Gear**: Bring your transceiver, antenna, and other equipment to a lighthouse or lightship.
- **Connect**: Tune in and make contact with other operators around the world.
- **Log Your Contacts**: Keep track of the lighthouses and lightships you connect with and share your experience with the community.
Many amateur radio clubs make this an annual event, so check with your local club to participate !
Don’t miss out on this incredible event! Gather your equipment, invite your fellow enthusiasts, and be part of the International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend. Let’s keep the airwaves alive with the spirit of adventure and history.
Taree Amateur Radio Club have participated in this event for many years activating Crowdy Head Lighthouse. We have even had access to the Lighthouse one year while it was being painted. We look forward to this weekend each year.
Great article. You have obviously put in some effort putting the blog together. We have nearly 400 entrants this year which is a nice comfortable number for me to manage. Thanks for the PR
Hi Kevin, hope you are going well. Taree ARC were at Crowdy Lighthouse on Saturday. We enjoyed a great day although not too many Lighthouse contacts. Once the RD contest started everyone was more interested in that.
Keep up the good work. 73
Roy vk2ebr