This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight is set to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style with a wide range of events planned for the extended Jubilee weekend this June.
From fêtes to flower festivals, street parties to sailing regattas and concerts to cream teas – the Island offers residents and visitors a wide choice of events to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The main event
The Island’s main Jubilee event takes place at Appley Park in Ryde from Saturday 2 to Monday 4 June and includes the lighting of one of 3,000 celebratory beacons situated across the country.
The free event promises pageantry, parades and party games from its stunning beachside location. Full event details can be found at www.iowdiamondjubilee.co.uk.
Community events
Elsewhere on the Island, local communities are joining together to mark the Queen’s 60 years on the throne, by organising street parties.
The Isle of Wight Council has received 17 road closure applications for street parties and community events, this is in addition to the sixty-plus events taking place around the Island on open spaces, at community centres and Island attractions.
Details of events that the council has been made aware of are listed at www.iwight.com/living_here/jubilee/Local_Events/.
Bell ringing
The Island’s bell ringers are planning to celebrate the Jubilee by sounding the bells at the Island’s 14 bell towers between noon and 3pm on Sunday 3 June.
An open day recently took place at Newport Minster to recruit new ringers, this was attended by former council chairman, David Williams – who met local ringers and tested his campanology skills.
Thanksgiving service
Ahead of the main Jubilee Weekend, a special service of thanksgiving is being held at Newport Minster at 5pm on Monday 28 May.
The Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White will be attending as the Queen’s representative on the Island. Members of the public are welcome to join the service.
Island boats in River Pageant
Also, two Island boats are preparing to take part in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee River Pageant which takes place on Sunday 3 June.
Island based steam launch, named Kariat – built in Cowes – and famous round-the-world ketch Gipsy Moth IV will be representing the Isle of Wight at the pageant, which will see thousands of boats of all shapes and sizes follow the royal barge along the Thames.
The Island’s Lord-Lieutenant will be aboard Kariat together with Deputy Lieutenant Peter Grimaldi and selected Island Cadets who will also sail on Gipsy Moth IV. It will be one of the largest flotillas ever assembled on the river.
Rising to the occasion
Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Susan Scoccia, said: “The Island is really rising to the occasion and pulling out all the stops for the Diamond Jubilee. It is wonderful to see communities joining together to organise street parties and larger organisations putting on events to be proud of in celebration of our country’s history and heritage.
“This is a very special year for the country and here on the Island we are looking forward to celebrating the Jubilee weekend ahead of The Queen and Duke of Edinburg’s visit to the Island on 25 July – on what will be the final day of their historic tour of the country.”
For more information about the Diamond Jubilee and events taking place on the Isle of Wight, please visit www.iwight.com/jubilee.
