It’s a milestone year for Her Majesty. The Queen, who has reigned over us all these years, is to celebrate her 90th birthday.
And Suffolk’s communities are set to mark the occasion with an exciting series of events and celebrations.
A symbol of continuity, stability and duty in an ever changing world, it’s as if she has always been there. And for most of us The Queen has been a constant through all our lives.
Born in 1926, The Queen, who succeeded to the throne in 1952, will celebrate her birthday on April 21 but her official birthday in June will be marked by a mass street party – The Patron’s Lunch – in London as well as a service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and the traditional Trooping of the Colour ceremony.
Communities secretary Greg Clark said: “The Queen’s 90th birthday is a truly national event and provides a great change for all of us to reflect on the extraordinary service her majesty has given this country for more than six decades
“The Patron’s Lunch on the Mall will be a fitting way to celebrate this historic milestone – but your community can get involved and honour the Queen through your own street party too.”
As for the Silver Jubilee in 1977, the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and the diamond Jubilee in 2012, the nation is expected to mark the occasion with street parties and community events.
Today Suffolk prepares to reignite its strong community spirit as it honours Her Majesty’s dedication to our nation.
East Anglian Daily Times editor in chief Terry Hunt said: “Suffolk has a long tradition of community celebration of national events and this year will be no exception.
“Her Majesty’s 90th birthday is a great excuse to celebrate not just The Queen’s service to the country but also all that is great about Suffolk.”
Celebrations kick off with a Clean for the Queen litter pick on March 4-6 – reflecting the first anti litter campaign in 1953 – the year of The Queen’s coronation.
And Ipswich MP Ben Gummer is throwing his weight behind the campaign.
On April 21 – the day of the Queen’s birthday – bonfire beacons are set to be lit the length and breadth of Britain to mark this unique moment.
Promoted by the National Association of Local Councils, the beacons are part of a long and unbroken tradition of celebrating royal jubilees and special anniversaries.
The main celebrations are expected to take place during the weekend of June 11 and 12 reflecting events in the capital.
Suffolk’s towns and villages are set to roll out the red white and blue with many already planning traditional street parties as well as evening entertainments, quizzes, treasure hunts, flower festivals, hog roasts, cream teas, bell ringing, barn dances, fetes, and songs of praise services.
Shona Bendix, chief executive of the Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC) said: “Many of Suffolk’s town and parish councils are taking the opportunity presented by the Queen’s 90th birthday to ensure local people have a happy and sociable day. Occasions such as this create lovely memories for all generations and help build a sense of local and national togetherness.”
St Edmundsbury Cathedral is planning a special service on June 11 to mark the occasion.
And if your community is holding a street party or any other community event this year the East of England Coop has pledged to provide free tea bags for thirsty revellers. For more information visit www.cuppa.coopFor more information on organising a beacon for your community visit www.brunopeek.co.uk
Lord Lieutanant – Lady Euston
The county’s Lord Lieutenant, the Countess of Euston, who represents the Queen in Suffolk, has written to town and parish councils urging communities to celebrate together.
Today we print the letter in full.
Dear Councillors,
I am writing to ask for your help to encourage our town and parish councils to join in the celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday next year.
There will be major national events taking place in London over the weekend of 11 and 12 June, which will include a ‘street party’ style lunch for 10,000 guests in The Mall.
It would be wonderful if as many people as possible in Suffolk could also show their support by holding their own festivities in their communities.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could help by spreading the word.
Yours sincerely,
Clare Euston
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