VENUES FLY FLAG... FOR THE JUBILEE!
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will see a variety of events from June 2 to 5 to mark 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’S reign. Here, FLORA BYATT rounds up 11 of the best taking place in North Staffordshire
THE QUEEN’S SHOULDERS – LEEK AND HANLEY
In 1964 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sat for Staffordshire artist Arnold Machin, as he modelled a clay cameo for British coins and stamps. However, Machin only sculpted the Queen’s Head, and the Palace decided it needed something extra – shoulders.
This free event sees the Phoenix Singers and Claybody Theatre bring to life the true story behind those famous shoulders in words and music. You’ll never look at a stamp in the same way again. June 4, 7pm at Trinity Church, Derby Street, Leek and June 5, 7pm, at All Saints’ Church, Leek Road, Joiners Square, Hanley.
SETTING THE TABLE FOR A POTTERY PLATINUM JUBILEE – HANLEY
A big reveal of a mosaic created by the Dudson Centre, below, and their tenants and service users at 1950s-style fete, suitable for families. The Dudson was opened by the Queen in 1999. The centre is built on a former pottery factory site.
The event will also include a coconut shy, tin-can alley, a pick ‘n’ mix stall and more. There will be paint-a-pot sessions,
Jubilee quiz packs, and Mrs
Potts will attend for photos and her well-loved
Storytime.
The Dudson
Café will be open with a
‘Taste of History’ menu full of retro meals, snacks, and drinks.
The event is on June 7, at the Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-trent.
Free tickets are available now.
PLATINUM PARTY AND VICTORIA PARK - STAFFORD
Party-goers are invited to dress up in Jubilee attire in Market Square on June 3. A range of family activities will also take place at Victoria Park from June 2 to 5.
HAPPY AND GLORIOUS - NEWCASTLE
A celebratory civic-pride project bringing together seven communities, each focusing on a specific decade of the Queen’s reign.
The gala event is at the New Vic Theatre, above, on June 22. Book on 01782 717954.
ROYAL JUBILEE CELEBRATION – MIDDLEPORT PARK
Bring a picnic! Totally Stoked is hosting a fun-filled day of canoeing, lawn games, arts and crafts, sensory and soft play, performances and drinks and refreshments. The event is on June 4, from 11am until 2pm. Picnics
must be alcohol-free.
DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES – HANLEY
Appetite is hosting two days of DJS, dancing and fun on June 4 and 5.
QUEEN’S PLATINUM AFTERNOON TEA – LONGTON
A marquee will be erected on the former bowling green in front of the Aynsley Tearooms, and there will be live music from local musicians throughout the afternoon. You can bring a picnic, or visit the tearooms.
This event is from noon until 4pm on June 5.
PLATINUM JUBILEE COFFEE MORNING AND TABLETOP SALE – NORTON
Visitors can buy handmade crafts, jewellery, plants, household items and try their luck on a prize-everytime tombola. Enjoy tea, coffee, cake, plus Staffordshire oatcakes and bacon and cheese butties, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
The free event is at Norton Community Church in St Nicholas Avenue on June 4.
QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE – RUDYARD LAKE
A celebration with a marquee with live music by Major Feelgood. Visitors can bring a picnic or visit the cafe. There will also be boat rides and rowing boat hire, as well as donkey rides. The event is on June 4 from lunchtime until 5pm.
QUEEN’S JUBILEE 1950S DAY – NEWCASTLE
Celebrate the year of the Queen’s Coronation with live music from the 1950s performed by the Baker Street Bells, a 1950s dance performance by the DJ Swans of Daniel Jones DANCE at Jubilee 2 and a specially commissioned archive film showing past celebrations in Newcastle. Families can win a prize in the Jubilee trail around the museum and a luxury picnic box can be ordered from the Little Vintage Tea Room. This event is on June 4, at Brampton Park. Tickets are free but booking is required.
TRENTHAM JUBILEE WEEKEND – TRENTHAM GARDENS, below
There will be activities for children, family fun, and quintessentially British entertainment, including ‘changing of the guard’ ceremonies. The event runs from June 2 to 5.