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Marlborough plans Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

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Marlborough’s beacon will be lit to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Anniversary

Pipers and pipe bands, buglers and cornet players, a beacon lighting ceremony, a Royal Platinum Picnic on Marlborough Common and the planting of trees for the Queen’s green canopy initiative, are some of the plans for the extended Bank Holiday from June 2-5 to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. At last night’s (Jan 18) initial planning meeting at the Town Hall many more ideas were gathered and a working party will be set up to co-ordinate the festivities.

Claire Harris, Assistant Town Clerk, said, “I was delighted with the attendance at last night’s meeting which was an informal information gathering exercise. If people have more ideas that they’d like to see included in the programme, or if they’d like to be on the working party or volunteer in any way please contact me on charris@marlborough-tc.gov.uk.”

Celebrations will commence on Thursday June 2 and at 9.45pm the beacon lighting ceremony will take place on Marlborough Common. Over 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories. For the first time, beacons will also be lit in each of the capital cities of the Commonwealth countries to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Marlborough’s beacon was last lit in November 2018 to commemorate 100 years since the armistice of World War 1.

Specially commissioned music for pipers, pipe bands, buglers and cornet players and choirs will be performed at the beacon lighting ceremony.

On Sunday June 5 from 2pm to 10pm Marlborough and District Rotary are planning a Royal Platinum Picnic on Marlborough Common. During the afternoon there will be entertainment for children including a Punch and Judy Show, clowns, pony rides and ice-cream. A fully stocked bar will operate from 4pm to 10pm together with a hog roast. There will also be sandwiches, rolls and other picnic foods for sale for those who don’t want to bring their own. From 6pm a jazz band and other local artists and groups will perform.

Marlborough’s Mayor, Cllr Mark Cooper, said, “It’s excellent the way the community is coming together to celebrate a really special time. I know it’s going to be a wonderful few days.”