The excitement is building across Leicestershire as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations approach.
Leicestershire County Council is marking the historic occasion and remembering Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign in many ways and is helping hundreds of communities across the county celebrate across half-term from Monday 30 May to Friday 3 June.
County Council leader councillor Nick Rushton said: “Like many people across the county, I'm really looking forward to celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
“This is a remarkable achievement in the history of the nation and everyone across Leicestershire will be paying their respects to quite simply an amazing person, who has dedicated her entire life to the service of this country."
Some 300 street parties are set to take place in towns and villages all across the county, assisted by the council which has set aside nearly £500,000 allowing it to waive the usual fees for closing roads to make it easier for celebrations to take place.
On May 30, County Council chairman councillor Kevin Feltham will be raising a special Jubilee flag at County Hall in Glenfield and then the landmark building will be illuminated in purple at night as one of around 70 Jubilee beacons which will be lit across the Leicester and the county to pay tribute to The Queen.
SEE WHAT’S ON IN A PACKED PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
A musical and dance extravaganza, museums trails and exhibitions that tell the story of royal visits and their connections to the county are among the events and activities happening in Leicestershire this May half term to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Events include:
- At Century Theatre in Coalville, on Sunday 29 May at 2pm and 7.30pm, the 1940s wartime singing group D-Day Darlings will perform a special song and dance tribute to Her Majesty. The brand-new show – ‘D-Day Darlings Jubilee Celebration Show’ will feature the brilliant young trailblazers The D-Day Juniors. Tickets are priced between £10 - £14 and can be booked online or by calling the box office on 01530 278 444.
- A quirky birthday party performance by Half Moon will take place at Oadby Library on Tuesday 31 May at 11am and 2pm. 'Party' is an entertaining, heartfelt, and provocative show that is suitable for children aged three and older. It is full of humour, colourful designs, and has a captivating soundtrack. Tickets are free and can be booked online or by contacting the library 0116 305 8763.
- Visitors to Melton Carnegie Museum from Tuesday 31 May to Sunday 5 June can see an exhibition about the royal visitors the town has received throughout the years. Youngsters can follow a family jubilee trail around the museum and enjoy jubilee themed craft activities including decorating a souvenir Platinum Jubilee mug and making a crown fit for a queen or king. Mug decorating is £3.50 but museum admission, the trail and crown making are free. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm, and on Sunday 5 June it will be open from 10am to 4.30pm.
- Over at Harborough Museum, from Tuesday 31 May to Saturday 30 July, visitors can find out about Harborough’s Royal connections through a special trail - learn how King Christian VII of Denmark, Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth II are connected to the town. Museum admission and the trail are free and available during regular opening hours - Tuesday to Friday 10am to 6pm; Saturday 10am – 4pm.
- A free spectacular show of dancing from across seven decades will take place at Jubilee Square on Wednesday 1 June from 6.30pm to 8.22pm. A variety show featuring a wonderful mix of musical talent from the wonderful mix of Leicester's cultures serves as a warm-up to the main event - the Dance for the Queen show, which will showcase some of the best local dancers.
- Charnwood Museum, in Loughborough, is inviting children under the age of five to dress up with their dressing up box on Thursday 2 June from 10am to 4pm. Youngsters can get into the jubilee spirit with a special jubilee gallery game between Thursday 2 June and Sunday 5 June from 10am to 4pm. Museum admission and activities are free.
- A craft and gift fair will take place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June at Beaumanor Hall, in Woodhouse, and gives visitors the chance to buy vintage crafts from local craft artists, listen to live music while shopping, enjoy delicious cakes, sandwiches, and cream teas, and relax in the stunning surroundings on this very special weekend. Entry is £3 per person and children under 12 years are free. Parking on-site is free.
Mrore details about county council Platinum Jubilee events are available on the council's Platinum Jubilee webpage and also here on the Lord Lieutenant's Platinum Jubilee webpage.
Residents can use the Platinum Jubilee interactive map to find out about or share their jubilee celebrations in the county and city such as public events, street parties, and other activities.