It might only be January, but preparations by local event organisers are under way for a string of events taking place in Hailsham this summer to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
In conjunction with the national celebrations to mark the Jubilee this June, local community news provider Hailsham is making further plans for a programme of events and entertainment, which will involve thousands of residents, local community groups, charities and schools across Hailsham.
At their meeting held on Wednesday [26 January], town councillors gave the green light for plans from Hailsham News to facilitate a number of localised events around the town to coincide with the extended bank holiday (2nd-5th June). The Town Council agreed to allocate £6,000 funding towards the project in addition to funds accrued via an under-spend by the Town Council’s Communities Committee.
The four-day celebration will be a time for local residents, businesses and community groups to mark and celebrate the Queen’s 70-year historic reign, and Hailsham News has confirmed it will be putting together and organising the programme of events alongside and on behalf of the Town Council.
The 2nd of June will see the first day of the celebrations and the town centre will play host to an evening of entertainment, marching and drumming bands, pipers and live music. At 9.45pm, the official lighting of a beacon will take place which will happen at the same time as thousands of other beacons are lit around the world.
In the run-up to the special weekend, there will be educational opportunities for schools and groups with an interactive trail around Hailsham, digitally bringing to life each decade of the Queen’s rein at special locations around the town. This will be an ideal opportunity for children to learn exactly why the Jubilee is being celebrated.
Paul Gibson, Editor of Hailsham News said: “I’m absolutely honoured to be working alongside the Town Council in making sure this historic occasion is celebrated locally which will go down in history. We are now talking to local schools, charities and community groups to get as many involved with the event as possible. This is an excellent occasion to bring the community back together and mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.”
Town Mayor Paul Holbrook commented: “Summer 2022 will be an exciting time for Hailsham, and on behalf of the Town Council, I’m delighted that we have been able to finance the cost of organising the celebrations, so ably being carried out by Hailsham News with our staff and Council member support. This year, we’re aiming to do something bigger and better than ever before.”
“Whilst only some of the arrangements are in place, we are confident that the programme of events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be well received by residents and visitors alike, as well as bringing energy and atmosphere to the town.”
Additional plans involve a large traditional, street party-style fete at the Western Road Recreation Ground, hosting fun family games, music, live entertainment, food and drink, rides and much more.
Local school PTA groups, choirs, dance groups, community groups and charities are encouraged to contact Hailsham News to see how they can get involved in the line-up of events: mail editor@hailsham.news
All the celebrations are not-for-profit and any money raised will be going directly to local charities and causes. More information about the events will be announced in the coming weeks.
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk