Over the extended bank holiday weekend, 2-5 June, celebrations will be held across the UK in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service.

As is tradition for significant Royal events – including The Queen’s coronation in 1953, as well as subsequent silver, golden and diamond jubilees – street parties are a popular way for communities to come together to share food and drink, a fee for which would normally apply to cover the costs of road closures.

Known as ‘The Big Jubilee Lunch’ – an official celebration of the Platinum Jubilee – communities are encouraged to get together on Sunday 5 June to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little better in the name of Her Majesty, whether it’s over a cup of tea with a neighbour or a full street party.

Meanwhile, a whole host of other events will take place across the borough between 2-5 June, including:

• A Jubilee-themed tea dance in St Helens Town Hall Town Hall on Wednesday 1 June, organised by an external provider

• A St Helens Beacon lighting service in Taylor Park on Thursday 2 June between 9:15pm-10:00pm

• Service of Thanksgiving at St Helens Parish Church on Friday 3 June

• Wonder Arts Family Jubilee event, with funding from St Helens Borough Council, on Saturday 4 June, featuring a mix of theatre and art installations in Church Square, St Helens Town Centre

Encouraging residents to get involved with Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said:  

“Milestones like this, which happen once in a lifetime, call for massive celebrations – that’s we’ve made it easier and more affordable for residents to show their appreciation to Her Majesty The Queen by waiving the costs usually associated with street parties, and will support communities organising their ‘Big Lunch’ events. 

“On top of this, we’ve got plenty of other fitting events and activities planned that resident of all ages can enjoy – full details for which will be shared at the earliest opportunity – as we recognise 70 magnificent years of Her Majesty.” 

Throughout the bank holiday weekend, the council will be displaying Union Jack bunting from the Royal British Legion across the borough, with street party organisers encouraged to buy their decorations from the same charity organisation.

Applications for free road closures are available across the whole bank holiday which can be done by visiting: www.sthelens.gov.uk/jubilee 

The deadline to apply is Sunday 17 April.  

To support the Royal British Legion by buying bunting for your street party, visit:  https://rbli.shop/collections/platinum-jubilee-2022