The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is almost here and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the historic occasion in Staffordshire.
With a two-day bank holiday tagged onto the weekend and lots of events planned throughout the county, Her Majesty’s milestone can certainly be marked in style.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “The Platinum Jubilee will be a historic moment for our country and the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for what Her Majesty has done for us over many years. We want Staffordshire to join in with what will be a fantastic weekend of celebrations and with something for everyone, there’s no excuse to miss out.
“We have had an incredible response from our community so far, with over 80 requests for street parties across Staffordshire. It has also been great to see Staffordshire play its part in the Queen’s Green Canopy project; planting over 1000 tree’s across the county. I do hope people are able to take some time out to join the celebrations and enjoy the long Bank Holiday weekend.”
We’ve put together a round-up of some of the top events taking place so you can enjoy a right Royal knees-up.
June 1
- Affinity Staffordshire, Pit Lane, Talke Pits, will host a day of events between 11am and 4pm, including craft workshops and a chance to sit on a throne for photo opportunities.
- A Teddy Bears picnic will take place at Meir Library at 10am with songs. rhymes and music
- An open day will be held at Cauldon and District allotments, including a barbecue, refreshments, craft and plant stores and DJ/music group, between 10am and 2.30pm. Call Tracy Podmore on 01782 232089 if you’d like to attend.
June 2
- Tutbury Castle will host the lighting of the Jubilee Beacon on to coincide with the national campaign.
- A Jubilee Raceday will take place at Uttoxeter racecourse.
- Hanley Park will host a party in the park event between 11am and 3pm. Take a picnic and enjoy live music on the bandstand, football sessions led by Engage, Archery led by Green Door, face painting and balloon modelling, circus skills and magic shows with Magical Mayhem’s Paul Brown. There will also be jubilee themed crafting activities from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, and a Union Jack themed penny farthing performer, stilt walkers and welcome committee entertainers interacting with visitors for photo opportunities. Admission is free.
- Fenton Market will have a children’s entertainer who will be face painting, balloon modelling and more.
June 3
- A Platinum Party will be held in Market Square, Stafford, where residents are encouraged to dress up in Jubilee attire.
- Longton Victorian Market will celebrate with entertainment and events. Across the Jubilee weekend there will be a Jubilee raffle and stalls where children can make free crowns and Beefeaters.
- Tunstall Market will have free fun with a trail around the market to find crowns and a children’s entertainer and face painting.
June 4
- The Brampton Museum in Newcastle under Lyme, will step in time to the year of the Queen’s coronation, with live music from 1950s music trio the Baker Street Bells, a 1950s dance performance by the DJ Swans of Daniel Jones DANCE at Jubilee2 and a specially commissioned archive film showing Newcastle’s royal celebrations in years gone by. The fund takes place from 10am.
- Middleport Matters Community Trust will hold a Picnic in the Park between 11am and 3pm. The event will be next to the two green spaces (old bowling greens) and next to the canal side by the playground, with craft activities, nature/eco play, garden games, drinks and refreshments. Admission is free.
- A Victorian Street Party will be held at Gladstone Potteries Museum between 10am and 4pm. Visitors will be able to see some Victorian artefacts and discover more about her reign. Children are invited to come along in Victorian costume with the Queen acting as judge for the best dressed. Listen to tales of Victorian Raptors in a series of presentations with live birds of prey with Raphael Falconry. Hear about the things Victorians discovered and witnessed about birds during their adventures around the empire. Free with museum admission. Small charge for craft activity and street party refreshments.
- Stoke Library will run a Jubilee themed Lego session (Castle and Crowns). This will start at 11am.
- Stoke Indoor Market, Wolfe Street, will include a family party with inflatables and games, along with a Circus Skills Workshop and facepainting, between 9am and 1pm.
- An Alice in Wonderland tea party will be held in Market Place, Cannock, with live music and market stalls.
- Bobbington Airfield will host a Jubilee bash with live music, entertainment and a barbecue.
- There will be a vintage car and tractor rally in Trysull, at the hall and playing fields.
June 5
- The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration will take place at Longton Park between 12 and 4pm, including an afternoon tea party with live entertainment. Admission is free.
- The Great British Garden Party will be held at Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. With comedy, slapstick, audience interaction and games, this is a family show that will have everyone joining in the fun. The rree shows are at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm.
June 1-2
- The annual two-day Staffordshire County Show returns and there will be Jubilee events throughout, alongside the usual fun, including Monster Trucks, Show Jumping, the Parade of Hounds and more. Advance tickets are on sale now.
June 1-5
- Penkridge Sports and Recreation Centre will host five days of live music and entertainment.
June 2-5
- Trentham Estate will host family fun and quintessentially British entertainment, including daily changing of the guard ceremonies and fun activities.
- A range of family activities will take place at Victoria Park in Stafford throughout the four days.
Throughout the Jubilee weekend Staffordshire Archives and Heritage service will be sharing photos on social media of the Queen during her many visits to the county.
Other Jubilee activities include the brewing of two new handcrafted Jubilee beers by Burton Town brewery. The two brews will be bespoke recipes; one will be inspired by the flavours of the Queen’s Coronation anointing oil, whilst the second beer will be produced in memory of Prince Philip’s favourite tipple.
Staffordshire based pottery company Emma Bridgewater has also released a new collection to commemorate the Jubilee. The limited edition designs include pieces from mugs to storage jars, including the God save the Queen mugs and Jubilee Tree planting mugs.
