Let The Celebrations Begin…
One of the first events to herald the start of the summer Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the Ribble Valley will see 120 soldiers and a marching band parade through Clitheroe
With ‘bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying’, the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment supported by the British Army Band Catterick will march through Clitheroe centre on Tuesday, 24th May to mark the start of the Jubilee celebrations.
The Queen awarded the Freedom of the Borough to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in 2011. The honour dates from Roman times when troops were not allowed to enter a town or city bearing arms without the express permission of the authorities.
These days, it is a ceremonial honour showing the ties between a borough and a particular regiment.
Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stephen Atkinson said: “The opportunity for a Freedom parade rarely arises and this exciting event will honour the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
“The Freedom of the Borough parade in 2011 attracted thousands of spectators and we are looking forward to giving the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment another rousing Ribble Valley welcome.”
BEACON LIGHTING AT THE CASTLE
The parade will start a series of events in Ribble Valley marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, including a beacon-lighting at Clitheroe Castle and the planting of 70 trees throughout the borough.
RIBBLE VALLEY MUSIC CONCERT – 28th May
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert will be held at St Peter’s Church, Ribchester Road, Salesbury. This will bring the monarch’s reign to life with music performed by Championship Section Wingates Band from each of the seven decades and with reference to key world events during that time. Uniquely commissioned features plus some special surprises will make this a momentous occasion. The event starts at 7pm. Tickets are £10 and can be obtained by calling 01254 384893.
MRS DOWSON BIG JUBILEE STREET PARTY – 2nd-5th June
Everyone is invited to the table, a gathering in the courtyard, with carnival stilt walkers, live entertainers, face painting, lawn games – plus a BBQ, cake stalls and all the fun of the farm. mrsdowsons.co.uk
BLACKBURN FAMILY FUN DAY – 3rd June
Hosted by Royal British Legion Blackburn Branch and supported by Blackburn Rovers, Asda, Tesco, Brinscall Pre-School and East Lancashire Cricket Club this will bring all communities together to celebrate this historic event. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, stalls, local traders, food including afternoon teas, the cadet forces will be there, Salvation Army Band, fairground rides, inflatables and more.
facebook.com/blackburnjubileecelebration
PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND AT ELR – 3rd-5th June
East Lancashire Railway is hosting a colourful celebration from late 1940s and early 1950s.
With live music, dancing classes, vintage stalls and period cars at Ramsbottom and Bury Stations, there will be ‘old time’ activities and entertainment for the whole family up and down the 12-mile line. Travel between the celebrations using the legendary steam and heritage diesel trains from the era – and along the way treat yourself in the Vintage Bar Car, or travel in royal style in the Observation Saloon. eastlancsrailway.org.uk
