100 parties lined up to mark Diamond Jubilee
More than 100 street parties are being planned across the region for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee – and the details can be revealed today for the first time.
More than 100 street parties are being planned across the region for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee – and the details can be revealed today for the first time.
Organisers will put up bunting and get out the trestle tables to celebrate the monarch's 60th anniversary on the throne in June. Dudley Council has approved 25 road closures following requests from residents.
Among the events is a party at Holy Trinity Church in Amblecote High Street. A thanksgiving service will be held at 3pm on June 3 followed by the party in the church hall.
Residents will be joined by local scout and guide groups, who are encouraged to take along old photos of previous celebrations.
A dozen parties are taking place in Wolverhampton, with organisers of the Tettenhall Wood Community Association party on June 9 taking inspiration from the last time a queen celebrated a Diamond Jubilee.
The Tettenhall Wood Institute in Wood Road will be decked out with bunting between 11am and 4pm on June 9.
In 1897, the Express & Star reported on Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration at the same venue.
In Sandwell, there are seven street parties organised so far, and four events in parks. There will also be a celebration on fields in Marsh Lane, West Bromwich, organised by Marsh Lane Pentecostal Church.
Residents in Walsall are staging 20 parties, with celebrations planned at the Walsall Arms pub in Bank Street and in the town centre.
Cannock Chase District Council received seven applications for street closures while nine roads in Lichfield will be temporarily shut for the celebrations.
The parties kick-off a week ahead of the bank holiday weekend in Cannock with the residents of Union Street in Bridgtown putting up the bunting and balloons on May 26.
Community stalwart Eddie Smith, who is on the organising committee, is hoping the celebrations will revive the annual Bridgtown Carnival.
The highlight of the street party will be the crowning of the May Queen, a tradition that has been revived after 35 years.
"We haven't had a carnival or a May Queen since the Silver Jubilee in 1977 to my memory," said Mr Smith. "The Diamond Jubilee could be the springboard to kick off the event again which would be wonderful."
Five parties have been confirmed with Wyre Forest District Council, including the Boar's Head pub in Kidderminster town centre, which will stage a three-day festival of entertainment. The authority is processing a further three applications.
