Queen’s Platinum Jubilee events

Communities across North Devon are preparing a series of royal parties to honour Queen Elizabeth’s 70 year reign, over the special four day Bank Holiday from June 2nd to 5th.

As preparations get underway in Chulmleigh, Liz Wesson sent in a great photo capturing the atmosphere at the Diamond Jubilee street party ten years ago (above right). This year the town is planning a beacon lighting on June 2nd, followed by thanksgiving service in the church on the Friday, a fete with games and refreshments on the Saturday, while Sunday June 5th will once again see a street party in the centre of Chulmleigh.

South Molton is screening the Trooping of the Colour ceremony at the Pannier Market at its Thursday market, followed by a tea dance organised by the town’s Rotary Club. June 3rd will see a Heritage Crafts Day at the market run by Arts Destination South Molton, along with a specially commissioned dance event with Katy Lee and a new song being composed by Nick Wyke (read about grant support on page 55). From 5pm on Friday evening SoundWave Radio will be hosting a party with the band BackTrax, followed by a concert from the close harmony group Hummingbirds singing songs from the 1940s and ‘50s.

On Sunday June 4th there will be a Royal British Legion parade leaving the town hall at 10.30am to the church, followed by a Spitfire parked in the Pannier Market, plus a street party with teddy bear’s picnic and the town band playing in The Square.

West Buckland is planning events every day, including a village cream tea afternoon from 3pm on June 2nd.

Bishops Nympton will have a beacon lighting on June 2nd.

Chawleigh has its fair taking place at the playing field on June 4th from 2pm to 10.30pm with performances, children’s entertainment and live music.

North Molton has a beacon lighting on June 2nd, with an evening party with dancing to the Elderly Brothers on June 4th, followed by a family fun day, bring & share and tea party at the sports centre on June 5th.

Umberleigh Village Hall is hosting a big breakfast on June 2nd and a late afternoon family barbecue on June 5th. Saturday 4th will see a party at the Rising Sun pub.

Street party in Chulmleigh from the Queen’s

Diamond Jubilee in 2012 - photo by Liz Wesson In Chittlehampton, plans are underway for a village concert on Friday June 3rd, while Chittlehamholt has an afternoon and evening of family fun and celebrations at the village hall on Saturday June 4th.

Kings Nympton is having a beacon lighting on June 2nd and a bring your own picnic lunch on Sunday June 5th.