ON FEBRUARY 6 this year Her Majesty the Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms, and the Commonwealth.

To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four-day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June.

The bank holiday will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone.

The four days of celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.

Chard Town Council has been working together with local schools, who will be making lanterns to carry on the torch-lit parade, taking place on Thursday, June 2.

Furthermore, there will be a lantern-making workshop in the Guildhall, Fore Street that morning, enabling children who don’t have one the opportunity to create one, and to provide an activity for them during the half-term.

The torch-lit parade will culminate at the Beacon on Crowshute Link, where former Mayor of Chard, Gary Shortland will light the Beacon at the allotted time of 21:45.

Friday, June 3 sees the Civic Parade and Service of Thanksgiving take place at St. Mary’s Church. The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, The High Sheriff of Somerset, former Mayors of Chard, and mayors of surrounding towns have been invited to join in this special celebration, which we hope to be well attended.

That evening there will be a show under the name “Queen of the Commonwealth”, taking place at the Guildhall.

Natalie Spiller of Holyrood Academy will coordinate this and said: “Friday, June 3 at the Guildhall from 7pm will have a variety show involving local creative artists and schools within and around the local community all coming together to celebrate the Queens Jubilee.

“From Poetry reading to choirs and dancing we have a wide range of incredibly talented performers just for you ready for the celebrations.”

On Saturday June 4, the newly built Freedom Leisure will be involved in the celebrations with activities taking place in their facilities and a show that evening back at the Beacon, headlined with Bristol based band Goodnight Lois.

On Sunday, June 5 Holyrood Street is to be closed to traffic, as it is transformed to a street party with entertainment for families, a brass band and food outlets.

Chard Town Council looks forward to the weekend filled with celebrations, interacting with the community and with local organisations alike, as we reflect on the Queen’s 70 years of service.

Cllr Jason Baker Mayor of Chard said: “It is great to have four days of celebrations here in Chard with a mixture of events so there is something for everyone. Chard has an amazing community spirit and I am sure everyone will join in and enjoy the celebrations.”