What has Wiltshire got planned for jubilee weekend?
There's a whole host of events
As the country begins to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 70th year on the throne, there are lots of events planned across Wiltshire.
Tonight (Thursday 2nd June) many beacons will be lit around the county to honour her majesty.
Every county in the UK is being encouraged to light 70 of them for the Platinum Jubilee.
Some of the places taking part in Wiltshire include:
- Old Sarum
- Amesbury
- West Tisbury
- East Knoyle
- Winterslow
It's a jubilee tradition that dates all the way back to 1897.
The Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Tom Corbin, said:
“I am delighted that we are joining over 1000 others in lighting a Beacon to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I am looking forward to being part of this historical moment alongside Deputy Lieutenant Dr Phil Harding to light Salisbury's Beacon and encourage Salisbury residents to fill in the application form for a chance to be there too.”
STREET PARTIES
Many of Wiltshire's residents will be doing their own local celebrations.
Street parties are taking place across the county, another jubilee tradition.
It doe mean that many of these roads will be closed on certain days over this weekend.
For example, Devonshire Road is shut today (Thursday 2nd June) while Cornwall Road and Empire Road will be closed tomorrow.
For a full list, visit the Wiltshire Council website.
Salisbury City Council are also holding a celebration event in the Guildhall Square on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Wilton Town Council have announced their own events in honour her majesty.
They're running all weekend, and include things like a Thanksgiving Service at the Parish Church on Sunday.
Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton said:
“The Platinum Jubilee weekend is nearly here! It is going to be wonderful chance for everyone in Wiltshire to join in a host of celebrations marking Her Majesty The Queen' s 70 years on the throne. In between our local events there will of course be wonderful TV! We can watch Trooping the Colour, the Red Arrows and a Balcony appearance, a Service at St Paul's Cathedral, The Platinum Party at the Palace, The Derby at Epsom, culminating in The Platinum Jubilee Pageant down the Mall on Sunday afternoon featuring performances from Ed Sheeran, Sir Cliff Richard and of course Basil Brush.
“Here at home, even more is going on starting on Thursday 2 June of course with lots of Beacons all over the county being lit on the dot of 9.45 pm honouring our Queen's unique reign. Do try and get to a spot where you can see one. Over the weekend our towns and villages, big and small, will be putting on their own community events for all ages to enjoy - Fetes, Jubilee Lunches, Church Services, Teas and much more. Has anyone tried making the Platinum Pudding? My thanks to everyone who has helped organise what is going to be a very special and busy weekend, and please join in as much as you can. I hope you will join me in sending Her Majesty every possible good wish for her historic Platinum Jubilee.”
LOOK TO THE SKIES
Some parts of South Wiltshire have got a chance today to see a special flyover.
People in Amesbury, Tidworth, Ludgershall and Pewsey may get a glimpse of the Red Arrows.
It's suggested that it may be spotted between 12.50pm and 1.30pm.
WILTSHIRE'S LOST VILLAGE
If all that isn't enough, Wiltshire's lost village will be open to the public.
Imber, which was abandoned after the Second World War, will allow visitors for the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
People living there were called to a meeting in November 1943 and given 47 days to leave.
After their evacuation American troops used the area to village to prepare for the invasion of Europe in June 1944.
Many of the Imber residents thought they would be allowed to return after six months but they were never allowed and the remains under the control of the MOD.
You can find out more by visiting their website.