ISLANDERS are being encouraged to enjoy Jersey’s Platinum Jubilee programme of events over next week’s extended holiday weekend by the Bailiff, Timothy Le Cocq.
Commenting on what he said he hoped would prove ‘a memorable weekend’, Mr Le Cocq said: ‘I am delighted with the programme of local events we have scheduled to complement those organised by the Royal Household and I hope they will allow Islanders and visitors to enjoy as many activities as possible.’
The programme begins on Wednesday evening, when the Lieutenant-Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, and Lady Dalton, will host the traditional Queen’s Birthday Reception in the grounds of Government House.
It includes light refreshments and entertainment from the Band of the Island of Jersey and a 21-gun salute from the Jersey Militia. All Islanders are welcome to attend.
On Thursday 2 June Jersey takes part in a national programme of beacon-lighting, when food, live music and other entertainment will culminate in the illumination of a virtual beacon at Mount Bingham – the most southerly in the British Isles.
The event runs from 4pm to 10.30pm on the Glacis Field and includes a performance of the commemorative Song of the Commonwealth by a choir of more than 90 schoolchildren led by Imogen Nicholls, director of the Musical Originals Singers.
On Friday at 10.30am a pageant will pass through Broad Street, including representatives of the Island’s uniformed organisations, augmented by a contingent from the visiting Royal Navy Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel HMS Brocklesby.
The march-past will be reviewed by the Bailiff and will be followed by a drive-past of vehicles representing the seven decades of Her Majesty’s reign. Spectators are asked to be in place by 10.15am.
Attention shifts on Saturday to the national celebrations and the Platinum Party at the Palace, which can be enjoyed on a big screen at Howard Davis Park.
The park opens for picnicking at 6pm, and the BBC broadcast of the event, featuring an array of performers and celebrities, starts at 8pm.
Musicians representing a range of styles will take part, with stars from stage, screen and sport also appearing. They will include: Sir David Attenborough, Emma Raducanu, David Beckham, Stephen Fry, Dame Julie Andrews, The Royal Ballet, and Ellie Simmonds. There will be specially recorded performance from Sir Elton John, and Sam Ryder – the UK’s Eurovision hero – will also perform live, fresh from his success in Italy.
Sunday’s celebrations begin with a service of thanksgiving in the Town Church at 10am, led by the Dean, the Very Rev Mike Keirle, and will continue during the afternoon with the sell-out high tea on the High Street, where ticket holders will enjoy a Platinum-Jubilee-themed afternoon tea on a table running the length of Broad Street.
