06 Apr Celebration plans to mark Queen’s Platinum Jubilee across the Braintree district
Plans are underway to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee across the Braintree district, from beacon-lighting ceremonies, a high street window dressing competition, planting new trees, a dementia friendly celebration lunch, and information on how you can arrange your own community event or street party.
A Bank Holiday weekend is taking place from Thursday 2 June until Sunday 5 June to mark 70 years since the Queen took to the throne, and across the district plans are underway for a series of activities and events for the occasion.
From street parties to village fetes, a list of events and activities happening across the district organised by community groups, parish councils and businesses is available on Visit Braintree District. Residents can add their own celebrations to the listings by visiting https://www.visitbraintreedistrict.co.uk/whats-on/submit-event
Beacon-lighting ceremonies
Various beacon lighting ceremonies will take place across the district on the evening of Thursday 2 June 2022.
If parish councils and community groups are planning a ceremony, they can let Braintree District Council know who can add it to their events web page and provide support where needed.
Window dressing competition
Braintree District Council is encouraging local businesses across Braintree, Halstead and Witham town centres to decorate their windows in the build up to the Jubilee weekend, as a way of celebrating the district’s local high streets.
Beacon trail
Across Braintree, Halstead and Witham town centres, beacon trails will be organised alongside a colouring competition for children and families to take part in during Jubilee weekend. More details will be available via the council’s website soon.
Street market
A Jubilee-themed street market will take place on Saturday 28th May with a variety of food, craft, homeware and drink stalls lining Braintree town centre throughout the day.
Commemorative benches
Braintree District Council will be installing 3 new benches in Weaver’s Park in Braintree, Halstead Public Gardens and Witham Town Park as a way of marking the occasion and installed in time for the Jubilee celebrations in June.
The Queen’s Green Canopy
As part of the council’s commitment to help the environment and make local areas greener, the council has provided 18,700 native trees and 73,000 bulbs to individuals and community groups to plant in their communities as part of their recent community tree and bulb planting project.
The council has also recently planted trees in Braintree, Witham and Halstead for the Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year, creating a legacy in honour of the Queen’s leadership of the nation for future generations.
Summer bedding will be planted in the public gardens in each town in the district in red, white and blue in late May. Hanging baskets in Braintree town centre and outside Causeway House will also be brightened up with a mix of purple and platinum during the Jubilee weekend.
Dementia Friendly Jubilee celebration lunch
Braintree Town Hall is holding a Dementia Friendly Jubilee celebration lunch on Monday 30th May 2022, where residents can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, savouries, cakes and drinks on offer and will be joined by classical singer Steph Felpon.
Bookings for the event will be open in April.
Street parties
Residents and communities will be celebrating in their own way through a range of activities, from street parties or getting involved in the national Big Jubilee Lunch with family, friends and neighbours.
Residents can apply to close their street or road to host a street party to celebrate at www.braintree.gov.uk/streetpartyguide, this guide provides practical information, tips and inspiration to hold their own street party.
Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “The range of events and activities happening across the district for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is really exciting, not only to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s incredible 70 years of dedicated public service, but bringing together family, friends and communities to celebrate this important occasion.
“We know many residents will be celebrating and as a council we are committed to helping communities celebrate in the best and safest way possible. We’ll have further details on the events and activities as we move closer to June, so please keep an eye out for more information via the council’s website and social media channels.”
The Council are keen to celebrate residents who are celebrating a milestone this year, whether it’s a 70th birthday or wedding anniversary. Residents can share their stories by emailing [email protected].
