VISITORS to Bromsgrove’s Sanders Park can commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next week and witness the historic lighting of the beacon.

On Thursday June 2, visitors to the park will be able to witness the historic moment when Bromsgrove’s beacon is lit at the same time as 1500 other Jubilee beacons up and down the country.

Alongside the beacon lighting, which will take place at 9.45pm, a fun, family-friendly event will run from 5pm until 10pm.

Bromsgrove District Council are working with partners and community organisations to put on a celebratory event with food, street entertainment, and music, finished with the ceremonial lighting of the beacons in the park and a special performance at 9.45pm from Bromsgrove Jubilee Choir, who will be singing “A Life Lived With Grace”, commissioned by Commonwealth Resounds for Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee. Alongside this, Rev Khan from The Church of St John the Baptist will also be playing Majesty on the bugle.

Leisure Portfolio Holder, Cllr Michael Thompson, said: “Everyone will remember where they were when our Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee.

“As the whole country marks this momentous milestone, I am delighted we are giving our residents the opportunity to celebrate in style with singing, dancing, food and entertainment in Bromsgrove.”

Thousands of town criers, along with Pearly Kings and Queens, traditional and Northumberland pipers, buglers, and choirs from communities across the four corners of the nation and the Commonwealth will lift up their voices and play and sing specially commissioned music prior to the lighting of over 1,500 Platinum Jubilee Beacons, at 9.45pm on Thursday 2nd June 2022.

Leigh Blakeman, from Vintage Class Singers who will be performing at the event, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be part of the Bromsgrove community celebrations for such a special occasion. It is a privilege to be performing at this, the opening evening of a full bank holiday of events in celebration of our wonderful Queen’s Jubilee."

Visitors attending should be aware that car parking at the main car park at Sanders Park will be closed to all except blue badge holders for the evening with alternative parking signposted off Whitford Road. Those staying for the beacon lighting may also wish to bring a torch or use their phones as there is the possibility that the route back to the car park may be dark.

For anyone unable to attend the Beacon event, Jubilee celebrations will continue across the bank holiday weekend including Music at The BirdBox presented by Bromsgrove Festival in association with BRMG Radio on 3rd June from 12noon to 5pm. Go to www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk for more details. On Saturday 4th June there will be a food and drinks event, running from 12noon until 10pm at BirdBox and there will also be a Jubilee Street Party on Bromsgrove High Street on Sunday 5th June, which is being organised by Bromsgrove Royal British Legion. Check out their Facebook page for more.

For more information, or to get involved in the Jubilee Beacon Event, contact the Parks and Events Team on at events@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.