Her Majesty The Queen's historic Platinum Jubilee
Residents of Wiltshire are being encouraged to get involved with Her Majesty The Queen's official Jubilee celebrations .
With Her Majesty The Queen's official Jubilee celebrations less than three months away, residents of Wiltshire are being encouraged to get involved in this truly historic occasion. There are many ways to participate ranging from the lighting of Beacons to holding a traditional tea party.
Wiltshire Council is also reminding people to ensure they notify the Council as soon as possible if they need any road closures or other permissions to host community parties if they're planning to mark this special anniversary.
Every county in the United Kingdom is being encouraged to light 70 Jubilee Beacons to represent each of the years of Her Majesty The Queen's reign. In Wiltshire over 30 Beacons have been registered so far right across the county, including those at Westbury White Horse, Martinsell Hill, Amesbury, Swindon and many more. But it would be a real triumph if we could get to the magic number of 70, reflecting the warmth of feeling for The Queen in our local communities.
The Council is asking Town and Parish Councils and community groups who have not come forward so far, to consider lighting a Jubilee Beacon on 2 June, at 9.15pm. All Beacons must be registered beforehand, and guidance and information about getting involved can be found at https://www.queensjubileebeacons.com/ (opens new window). If you are able to light a Beacon and would like a Wiltshire Lieutenancy representative to attend please email lieutenancy@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).
Many trees have been recently planted in the county for the Queen's Green Canopy. 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee' has been a huge success with more expected to be planted this autumn. The tree planting season is from October to March each year. More information about planting trees to mark the Jubilee is available at https://queensgreencanopy.org (opens new window). Please remember to register your tree(s) and pin them on the QGC map at this website.
For local events including community parties, Wiltshire Council has collated useful information and guidance to help people with their arrangements. If anyone is planning an event that needs any involvement or permission from the Council, such as road closures, then relevant applications need to be in at least eight weeks before it's due to take place. There can be a quick turnaround for straightforward applications on Council owned land/green spaces/parks, but due to the timescales required for processes, late applications for road closures and licensable activities will not be considered. For events occurring in the extended Bank Holiday period (2 June - 5 June), applications would need to be with the Council no later than Thursday 7 April. People are also asked to consider what licensing applications they may require too, such as particular entertainment or to sell alcohol, and to submit any required as soon as possible. More information can be found at .
There will also be the opportunity to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee by viewing various national events that will take place over the extended Bank Holiday weekend.
Some of the national celebration events include:
- The Queen's Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour), on Thursday 2 June
- The lighting of Beacons, on Thursday 2 June, evening
- Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving, St Paul's Cathedral, on Friday 3 June
- HM attending Epsom Races to see the Derby, on Saturday 4 June
- Party at the Palace, Buckingham Palace, on Saturday 4 June
- Platinum Jubilee Pageant, Buckingham Palace area, on Sunday 5 June
- The BIG Jubilee Lunch, on Sunday 5 June
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton, said: It has been my privilege to have known HM The Queen and members of the Royal Family for some years. It has been a real honour to represent Her Majesty as Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire for the last 10 years and indeed to welcome Her Majesty and members of the Royal Family to our great county. Leading up to the historic Platinum Jubilee weekend and beyond, many organisations are putting on special events and we have much to celebrate. I hope as many people as possible can get involved in what will undoubtedly be a very special, historic, and enjoyable occasion. Thank you for joining me in celebrating HM The Queen's unique reign.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: Her Majesty The Queen has had an unparalleled reign as monarch and when we look back at previous celebrations in Wiltshire, such as the fantastic Diamond Jubilee in 2012, we know there are very patriotic communities who will want to celebrate this historic occasion. Lighting a beacon is a simple yet really effective and visually stunning way to mark the occasion and we'd love to see as many places as possible in the county get involved. We are also sure there will be lots of people looking to hold their own celebrations. Our Council webpage has a whole host of useful information which provides all the details people need in one place.
More information about the Platinum Jubilee can be found at https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk/ (opens new window).