Tamworth set to celebrate Queen's Platinum Jubilee in style

Events will include bunting and craft workshops, a light ceremony, live outdoor performances, indoor shows, story trails and The Big Lunch in the Castle Grounds.

Four days of celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.

The Castle Grounds is playing host to a platinum jubilee celebration from 11am Saturday, June 4, with royal festivities including The Platinum Path, a community-based event taking place in the Castle Grounds to bring the residents of Tamworth together to mark the historic jubilee.

It will include bandstand performances from local community choirs, a dog show, children's jubilee-themed story trails and games.

In addition, there will also be royal walk-around characters, a jubilee-themed balloon arch selfie station, kids’ magician, balloon sculptors and food vendors on site.

All families are invited to take part in The Big Lunch on Sunday, June 5, from 11am-5pm.

This event is part of a countrywide Jubilee Big Lunch which encourages everyone to join for a picnic and celebrate.

Visitors can take a picnic to the lower lawn and enjoy an afternoon of live music at the bandstand, while meeting friends and family for an informal lunch party.

Food vendors will also be on site along with face painters, street magic and loads more fun for the whole family. Entry to the event is free.

Celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will start on Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3, with free craft workshops with Maggie Carney in Ankerside Shopping Centre.

An evening spectacular will take place on the Thursday, with a Beacon Lighting Ceremony at Tamworth Castle from 9.45pm.

A projection of flames will transform the outside of the castle into a ‘Beacon’ of light, accompanied by live entertainment including a jubilee song performance titled Song for the Commonwealth – A Life Lived With Grace, in the bandstand by Tamworth Voices; and a bugler to play the specially created jubilee bugle call, Majesty, at 9.40pm.

Families can also take part in bunting-making workshops as part of the Platinum Path Celebrations in the Castle Grounds on Saturday, June 4.

The workshop will take place inside Tamworth Castle, from Tuesday, May 31, to Friday, June 3. Normal admission prices apply.

Live indoor shows are also being hosted across the bank holiday weekend at the Tamworth Assembly Rooms, as part of the jubilee celebrations. For more details got to tamworthartsandevents.co.uk/whats-on

Counmcillor Rob Pritchard, deputy leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We are excited to bring some great community events together to mark such a momentous occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“Bringing the community together in celebration is something 12 months ago we would not have thought possible. How amazing it is to be celebrating 70 years of the reign of our Queen, especially as we now move out of the pandemic. We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to celebrate!”

Groups, communities and individuals who want to celebrate in their own way or plan a party, can find a host of helpful resources at tamworth.gov.uk/queen's-platinum-jubilee