06 Jan Year of celebrations launched to mark Basildon’s 70th birthday
Last Friday, the 4th of January marks 70 years since Basildon new town was created, with the community coming together to celebrate the milestone.
On 4 January 1949 the designation order was signed, marking the start of transforming the small semi-rural and ancient outpost of Basildon and its neighbouring communities into a thriving town.
Basildon Council is working alongside community groups and businesses to host a series of special activities throughout the year to celebrate the landmark birthday and the major milestones in Basildon’s history.
The festivities began today with free birthday balloons and chocolates handed out to traders and shoppers in Basildon town centre. Specially invited guests, including community leaders and inspirational Basildon Council employees, also attended a celebratory lunch hosted by the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Dadds.
Residents are urged to play their part in the birthday celebrations by sharing their memories and photographs of life in Basildon over the past seven decades on our social media pages or by emailing together@basildon.gov.uk
Councillor Kevin Blake, Deputy Leader of Basildon Council and Chairman of the Leisure, Culture and Environment Committee, said: “We’re committed to working together with the community to make Basildon’s 70th birthday an occasion to remember, with celebrations taking place throughout this very special year.
“It’s important that we leave a legacy behind for future generations and take the opportunity to look forward, thinking about how Basildon may look in decades to come.”
Visit www.basildon.gov.uk/basildon70 to find out more about Basildon’s 70th birthday, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on events and activities taking place throughout the year.
