A HOST of special events will be held in the city and county this year to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and mark her 70-year reign as monarch.
The events, announced today (Monday, February 7) by Mike Kapur, Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, include a garden party which he will host for people turning 70 in 2022 as well as the planting of trees and an art competition for primary school children.
There are also awards for businesses and communities for 70 organisations.
Her Majesty The Queen reached the 70-year mark yesterday (Sunday, February 6) and Mr Kapur said: “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.
“I’m really looking forward to the celebrations. Let’s show the nation just how proud we are of Her Majesty The Queen.”
An extended four-day bank holiday, from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5, has been chosen for the celebratory weekend.
The exciting variety of celebrations planned, include a ‘A 70 at 70’ garden party, which is the Lord Lieutenant’s special invitation to people who are celebrating their 70th birthday this year.
It will take place on Tuesday, May 31 at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse. Nominations can be made by anyone meeting the criteria and the closing date is Friday, April 1.
An award for 70 organisations, such as school, businesses, voluntary and community groups who have done something exceptional to develop community spirit, is also on the celebratory programme, as well as an art competition open to primary school children.
Children will be asked to paint a picture about what the Platinum Jubilee means to them. It is open to children in KS1 and KS2 year groups with a winner and runner-up award for each group. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 1.
Dozens of beacons will also be lit on the evening of Thursday, June 2 to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Local communities, parish councils, schools, youth groups, and farming communities can get involved by setting up and lighting beacons, sponsoring beacons, or illuminating a home or building – the National Space Centre will also be lit up.
Everyone in the city and county is also being invited to plant a tree as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. Anyone wishing to plant their own tree for the Jubilee can access trees through schemes offered by the Woodland Trust.
Residents can also apply to close their street or road for a street party to celebrate on a day over the extended bank holiday weekend, from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5 or as part of The Big Lunch on the 5th itself.
Normally, a street party road closure would be subject to an administration fee. However, Leicestershire County Council is waiving the fee for Platinum Jubilee street parties. There will also be no charge for street parties in the city.
To find out more about the events, visit: http://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/platinum-jubilee
