ILLW International Lighthouse/ Lightship Weekend

The International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW) is an annual amateur radio operating event, typically held on the third full weekend in August, spanning 48 hours. Originating in 1998 as the Scottish Northern Lights Award by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group, the ILLW has evolved into a major international event. It encourages amateur radio operators to activate stations from lighthouses and lightships worldwide, fostering contacts and promoting maritime heritage. The event is characterized by its minimal rules, making it accessible and enjoyable for participants without the competitive pressure of traditional contests.

Over 500 lighthouse entries from more than 40 countries participate annually, contributing to August becoming recognized as "Lighthouse Month" within the amateur radio community. Unlike typical contests, the ILLW emphasizes participation and enjoyment over scoring or prizes for high contact counts. The site provides registration forms, entrant lists for upcoming years like 2026 and 2027, and reports from previous events, alongside historical context for the ILLW and related lighthouse activities such as the US National Lighthouse Week and the International Lighthouse Heritage Weekend.