We are all invited to Queen’s Platinum parties
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS TO MARK 70 YEARS ON THE THRONE UNVEILED BY LORD-LIEUTENANT
A garden party for 70-year-olds and street parties galore will help Leicestershire mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The series of special events were announced by the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur.
The Queen officially reached her Platinum Jubilee yesterday, marking 70 years since her accession to the throne following the death of her father, George VI.
No other monarch in British history has reached this milestone.
The festivities will take place in and around the extended four-day bank holiday, which runs from Thursday to Sunday, June 2 to 5, to allow as many people as possible to toast the Queen’s achievement.
“As we celebrate a momentous milestone for Her Majesty, the plans I’m announcing provide a chance for people across Leicester and Leicestershire to experience a feeling of togetherness and to look forward with confidence,” Mr Kapur said.
Highlights of Leicestershire’s celebrations will include the Lord-Lieutenant’s garden party, where he will host people who are turning 70 in 2022.
Nominations for the garden party, which takes place on May 31 at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, can be made by anyone so long as they fit the criteria. They must be submitted before Friday, April 1.
Elsewhere, an art competition will be open to all primary school children.
All artists will need to do is create a picture that says what the Platinum Jubilee means to them.
Winners and runners-up will be announced for both Key Stage 1 and 2 children. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 1.
An award for 70 organisations that have done something exceptional to develop community spirit is also being created.
Dozens of beacons will be lit nationwide on the evening of Thursday, June 2 to mark the Jubilee
itself. Communities, parish councils, schools and youth groups are being urged to get involved by setting up and lighting beacons, sponsoring beacons or illuminating a home or building for the occasion.
Leicester’s National Space Centre will be among the county’s buildings that will light up in honour of Her Majesty.
Mr Kapur is also inviting everyone in Leicestershire to plant a tree as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, with saplings available through schemes offered by the
Woodland Trust. Street parties will form part of the bumper bank holiday weekend, with residents encouraged to apply to close their road over the weekend or on the day of the Queen’s Big Lunch itself on June 5.
Administrative fees for road closures are being waived by the county and city councils.
Mr Kapur said the county will do all it can to honour the Queen.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to the celebrations. Let’s show the nation just how proud we are of Her Majesty The Queen.”
I’m looking forward to the celebrations. Let’s show just how proud we are of Her Majesty The Queen
Mike Kapur