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Lighthouse On Air — International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (ILLW)

 Each August, amateur radio operators bring some of the world’s most recognisable coastal landmarks to life on the air. The International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (ILLW) is a relaxed, non-contest operating event focused on maritime heritage, public outreach, and radio friendship. It typically draws more than 500 lighthouse stations in over 40 countries and runs on the third full weekend of August.



What ILLW Is (and Isn’t)

ILLW began in the late 1990s, launched by members of the Ayr Amateur Radio Group in Scotland, and has grown into a global fixture on the amateur radio calendar. It is not a contest—there are no points, no multipliers, and no competitive scoring. Instead, the emphasis is on promoting the history and preservation of lighthouses and lightships, showcasing amateur radio to the public, and fostering goodwill between operators worldwide.

A related cultural event, the Lighthouse Heritage Weekend, often coincides with ILLW, when many sites open their doors to visitors. This makes the weekend an ideal time to combine operating with on-site education and engagement.

2025 Dates

In 2025, ILLW runs from 00:01 UTC on Saturday, 16 August, to 24:00 UTC on Sunday, 17 August. Participants may operate for the full 48 hours or just part of the weekend. Many stations register in advance so that chasers can find them more easily.

Where You Can Operate

The guidelines are straightforward: stations should operate at or adjacent to a lighthouse or lightship. You don’t need to be inside the structure, but you should be close enough for the association to be genuine. Permission from the managing authority is essential for any site with restricted or controlled access.

Registration with ILLW is optional, but doing so ensures your station is visible on the official entrants list.

Identifying the Lighthouse

Most activators use an ARLHS World List of Lights (WLOL) number, a unique code for each registered lighthouse or lightship worldwide. This is often exchanged during QSOs and included on QSL cards, adding a collectible element to the event.

How a Typical Activation Works

  • Set-up: Many teams use portable HF stations, often running 100 watts or QRP, with simple wire antennas, verticals, or beams. SSB and CW are the most common modes, but digital modes such as FT8 also feature.

  • Operating style: QSOs are friendly and straightforward, often including the lighthouse name and WLOL number, along with the usual call sign, signal report, and operator name.

  • Public engagement: For lighthouses open to visitors, operators may give brief demonstrations, explain how amateur radio works, and share information about the lighthouse’s history.

  • Safety: Coastal weather can be unpredictable. Proper planning for antenna placement, tides, and access is essential.

Why It Matters

Lighthouses are enduring symbols of maritime safety, guiding ships and protecting lives for centuries. By operating amateur radio from these sites, participants keep their stories alive, encourage preservation, and demonstrate the continuing relevance of radio communication. The event’s central mission is preservation, promotion, and goodwill.

Planning Your Own Activation

  1. Select a site and confirm its eligibility on the WLOL.

  2. Obtain permission from the site manager or relevant authority.

  3. Register your activation (recommended) to appear on the entrants list.

  4. Prepare your station with reliable antennas, power sources, and spares.

  5. Operate courteously to give as many stations as possible the chance to make contact.

  6. Log and QSL with details of your lighthouse.

Taking Part from Home

Even if you’re not activating a lighthouse, you can still participate by chasing stations. Monitor the usual HF bands, keep an eye on the spotting networks, and enjoy the variety of stations on the air during the weekend.

GMFF Participation in 2025

The GM Flora and Fauna Club (GMFF) will be joining ILLW 2025 by activating one of Scotland’s lighthouses. Details of the chosen site and callsign will be announced closer to the event. Expect activity across multiple HF bands and a post-event report covering the site’s history, equipment used, and operating highlights.

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