Events and celebrations for all ages are set to take place across Preston this week in celebration of the Queen’s Monarchy and the 20th anniversary of her granting city status.
The Jubilee Bank Holiday is a four-day celebration to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, 70 years of service from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June.
More than 2,022 Beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, and one in each of the capital cities of Commonwealth countries, in recognition of The Queen’s long and selfless service.
On Thursday 2 June a series of events will taking place across the city. There will be a Civic Jubilee launch event, hosted by the Mayor of Preston on Preston’s Flag Market from 8pm. At 9.45pm, the evening will end with the lighting of the Official Platinum Jubilee Beacon followed by the National Anthem.
Read more: What’s planned in Preston for the Platinum Jubilee weekend
South Ribble Borough Council have also been preparing events and activities for residents to mark the momentous occasion.
On Thursday, 2 June, Leyland Festival will make a comeback from 11am, the Jubilee Beacon will then be lit in the evening at 9.30pm at the Lostock Hall War Memorial.
The beacon lighting will also be live streamed on the South Ribble Borough Council Facebook page.
Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to have so many events organised to celebrate such a momentous occasion in our history.
“Please come along, get together and celebrate as a community with us!”
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Hoghton Tower will uphold a long tradition of celebrating Royal milestones with the lighting of a beacon on Thursday evening.
It will be lighting an official Queen’s Jubilee beacon at 9.45pm. This will take place on the raised turret to the front right of the Tower.
It welcomes the local community to come and witness the lighting of the beacon to mark the momentous occasion of her Platinum Jubilee.
The UK has long since celebrated Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations with beacons – on top of mountains, church and cathedral towers, castle battlements, on town and village greens, country estates, parks and farms, along beaches and on cliff tops.
Hoghton Tower will open from 7-10pm for the lighting of the beacon. Access will be available on the lawned tilting greens. Picnics, blankets and folding chairs are permitted, but barbecues are strictly prohibited.
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