Havering will celebrate the Queen’s 70th year of service with special events over the bank holiday weekend.
There will be plenty of ways to get involved with each event giving communities the opportunity to come together and mark the historic milestone.
Highlights include a commemorative Platinum Jubilee Church Service of Thanksgiving taking place on Thursday 2 June from 8pm to 8.45pm at St John The Evangelist Church, Havering-atte-Bower.
In recognition of Her Majesty The Queen’s long reign, a Beacon Lighting ceremony will be held on the Village Green, Havering-atte-Bower on Thursday 2 June from 9.15pm.
The Dagenham Girl Pipers will play “Diu Regnare” at 9.35pm and a special bugle call entitled “Majesty” at 9.45pm to announce the lighting of the Beacon, with a performance from the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps to close proceedings.
Romford Market will again be at the centre of festivities with the free family ‘Platinum Party in the Place’ event on Saturday 4 June from 12pm to 4.30pm.
The market-place will be decked out in bunting and picnic style seating, with live performances from The Big 90s Show, local street dance and theatre, and The Royal British Legion Band and Corps of Drums Romford.
Other attractions include British Guard stilt walkers, free arts and crafts for the younger visitors, themed food, cocktails and craft beer will also be available and on sale.
There will be the opportunity for younger visitors to get the royal treatment at our children’s pamper station – complete with make-up and manicures and a special appearance from well-known movie characters.
The ‘Platinum Party in the Place’ event will also see the unveiling of ‘The Regal Robe’ designed and created by students from New City College. The garment is made from patriotic red, white and blue cotton and features images of Queen Elizabeth II to further endorse the royal theme.
A traditional afternoon tea party experience with entertainment is being presented by Romford BID, it is available at St Edwards the Confessor Church gardens on Saturday 4 June between 12pm and 6.30pm.
Options start at £15 per person for afternoon tea with the opportunity to upgrade to a Dining Dome for larger parties.
As part of the celebrations, we are putting together a film commemorating the historic occasion and we’re asking residents to capture and share their photos and videos.
So, whether you’re joining in at our events or one of the many residents attending the 150 local street parties taking place over the Platinum Jubilee weekend, please share your highlights and contribute to the borough’s legacy.
To see all upcoming Platinum Jubilee events and for more information on how to contribute your highlights, please visit www.havering.gov.uk/platinumjubilee