Abundance of jubilee events that would be fit for a queen
The four-day weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is fast approaching, and a host of events lined up.
The partying officially begins on Thursday, June 2, when a series of beacons will be simultaneously lit across the country.
In Maidstone they will be at the Millennium Green in Eyhorne Street, Hollingbourne; the playing fields in Lower Street, Leeds; St John the Baptist Church in Harrietsham, and the King George V playing fields in Hawkhurst.
Yalding Parish Council is hoping to gain extra prominence for its beacon by lighting it on the roof of St Peter and St Paul’s Church in the High Street.
Additionally there are beacons at Days Green in Headcorn, at Chittenden Farm; off Cork Lane, in Staplehurst; and at the Heath at Horsmonden, while the Lamberhurst Bonfire Society will be lighting one on The Down at Lamberhurst.
All will be lit at 9.45pm, but many venues are warming up with live music beforehand.
Find a map of beacon locations at tinyurl.com/kentbeacons
Maidstone council is getting in first with its celebrations by holding an afternoon tea party for 200 people in Jubilee Square on the Wednesday at 2.30pm. The party is for Maidstone residents born in 1952, when the Queen came to the throne.
On Friday, there is music in Mote Park for key workers. The Together Festival runs from
1pm to 10pm and features the music of 5ive, Rak-Su and Blazin Squad among others. Organisers have given away 2,000 free tickets to NHS workers. Some are available for the general public via tinyurl.com/starrtickets.
Many smaller places are doing their own thing.
Tudor re-enactors will feature at a celebration to be held at The Old Vicarage in The Street, Boxley. The fun rumbles on from 2pm to 6pm on Thursday, June 2 and include a fancy dress parade and a Pearly Kings and Queens singing group. Tickets are £5 from Pam Rank on 01622 765938.
Allington Community Centre is hosting a kids’ funfair, jubilee cake competition and live music on Thursday, June 2, from 1pm, take your own picnic.
Meanwhile Horsmonden will have five days of events, starting on Wednesday. They include a comedy evening, fun day, dog show, boat race, village lunch and car show. For a full programme, visit www.hovec.co.uk
The Spa Hotel in Langton Road,Tunbridge Wells, will be hosting a jubilee picnic on Sunday, June 5, with music from from 1pm till 7pm.
Finally there will be dozens of street parties taking place. In total KCC approved 45 road closures across Maidstone, and a further 69 in the borough of Tunbridge Wells which includes many Weald villages.