Published: Wednesday, 26th January 2022
• Full weekend of activities planned to celebrate Queen's 70 years on the throne • Community groups, residents and businesses invited to take part
Street parties, live performances and a torchlit procession are among the weekend of activities being planned across Oldham to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
This year, the Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the country, having taken the throne in February 1952.
Nationally, an extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June, will provide an opportunity for people across the UK to mark this historic milestone.
And here in Oldham, a full weekend of activities are planned, so communities can come together and celebrate in style.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "I am a huge admirer of the Queen and am truly in awe of the way she has led this country with dignity and grace for 70 years. That's why I was determined, as Leader, to ensure we in Oldham celebrate the Platinum Jubilee as the once-in-a-lifetime occasion it is.
"We'll be bringing people together from all communities, and involving businesses and groups from across the borough, to celebrate the reign of Her Majesty and the incredible service she has given to us all.
"Ranging from street parties to art, dance, live theatre, music, and screenings of historic footage dating back to the Coronation - as well as live screenings of national events in London - there will be something for all the family to enjoy.
"I'd urge Oldhamers to hold the dates in their diaries and look forward to what is sure to be a fantastic weekend to remember."
Celebrations will run from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June and include a light procession; a two-day family-friendly festival with street theatre, live music, dance, art, and activities including arts and crafts, and big screens showing the national Jubilee Pageant in London.
People from across the borough will have the opportunity to celebrate together at street parties in their own communities, with funding available for 70 groups to throw parties in their neighbourhoods. Further details of how to apply will be made available soon.
There will be numerous ways for schools and communities to get involved in events throughout the Jubilee weekend; such by taking part in the Jubilee Beacon parade; joining in with family-friendly workshops; and even helping to create the UK's longest length of Jubilee bunting.
Meanwhile, other activities will include sessions in our galleries and libraries, and the chance to watch as our beacon, commissioned by a local artist, is lit in synchronicity with beacons across the UK and Commonwealth.
Full details of events, timings and locations will be available on the council's website, on social media and in the press nearer to the event dates