Platinum Jubilee events confirmed for St Helens Borough

Article date: 11 May 2022

As is tradition for significant Royal events - including The Queen's coronation in 1953 and subsequent silver, golden and diamond jubilees - street parties are a popular way for communities to come together to share food and drink. More than 30 community organised events are expected to take place in the area over the course of the bank holiday following a free road closure offer from St Helens Borough Council.   

Known as 'The Big Jubilee Lunch' - an official celebration of the Platinum Jubilee - communities are encouraged to get together on Sunday 5 June to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little better in the name of Her Majesty, whether it's over a cup of tea with a neighbour or a full street party.    

Meanwhile, a whole host of other council events and tributes will take place across the borough, including:    

• A Jubilee-themed tea dance for senior citizens, organised by an external provider, in St Helens Town Hall, on Wednesday 1 June  
   
• A St Helens Beacon lighting service in Taylor Park on Thursday 2 June between 9:15pm-10:00pm 
   
• Service of Thanksgiving at St Helens Parish Church on Friday 3 June, 3pm  
   
• Family fun day at Earlestown market on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June, 11am - 2pm  
   
• Wonder Arts Family Jubilee event, featuring theatre and art installations, taking place in Church Square, St Helens town centre, on Saturday 4 June between 11am-3pm
   
• St Helens Library Service will also be getting in on the act through a programme of activities taking place in libraries across the borough for all ages to enjoy, such as arts and crafts; family picnics, quizzes, and creative writing competitions 
   
• St Helens Archive Service will host an exhibition in libraries featuring images of previous Royal visits to St Helens. To accompany this event, bookmarks will be printed, with QR code enabling digital access to the Archive service and the Community website
   

• The Union flag flown above St Helens and Earlestown town halls

• The Steve Prescott Bridge lit red, white and blue for the weekend 

• Bunting from the Royal British Legion displayed across the borough

Encouraging residents to get involved with Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said:

"Milestones like this, which happen once in a lifetime, call for massive celebrations - that's we've made it easier and more affordable for residents to show their appreciation to The Queen by waiving the costs usually associated with street parties, and will support communities organising their 'Big Lunch' events.    

"On top of this, we've got plenty of other fitting events and activities planned that resident of all ages can enjoy. From keeping with the long tradition of marking Royal celebrations by lighting a beacon at Taylor Park, to family events in St Helens and Earlestown town centres - it's sure to be a bank holiday to remember and one that will go down in history as we recognise 70 magnificent years of Her Majesty."  

St Helens borough residents are encouraged to upload any photos or videos from local Platinum Jubilee celebrations to www.sthelenscommunityarchive.org.uk

To support the Royal British Legion by buying bunting for your street party, visit: https://rbli.shop/collections/platinum-jubilee-2022

For more information, go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/jubilee