RESIDENTS across the borough will be able to enjoy a host of activities in their local communities to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

In April, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council launched The Queen’s Jubilee Fund - a new grant scheme to encourage community and voluntary groups and businesses across the borough to host events.

The Platinum Jubilee weekend and extended bank holiday, from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5, will provide an opportunity for communities across the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone.

In the borough, the council has funded 70 local events, activities and pieces of commemorative artwork to celebrate The Queen’s 70 years of service.

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This includes £33,530 of grants awarded to 52 applicants, such as community organisations and businesses, to enable them to host community events between May and September 2022.

And, as a long-lasting legacy of the celebrations, the council will be working with communities and artists across the borough to create a colourful piece of street art in each of the 18 borough wards, following the successful Streets Alive project.

The grant scheme is just one of the ways the council is supporting jubilee celebrations across the borough. Other events and activities being planned include the Mayor’s Big Picnic in Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park, a creative writing and art project working with That Gallery and tree planting as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy project.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Paul Miller said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support organisations and businesses across the borough to host a fantastic line-up of events for residents to enjoy in their local communities this summer.

“The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee provides a fantastic opportunity to bring communities together after a difficult two years to celebrate the achievements, dedication and steadfast service Her Majesty The Queen has demonstrated during the last 70 years. I am looking forward to attending as many events as possible.

“To celebrate The Queen’s incredible reign, it is great that we will also be working with local artists to create long-lasting pieces of art in recognition of this historic occasion in communities across the borough.”

More information on the community jubilee events taking place across the borough will be available on the Love Basingstoke website by visiting www.lovebasingstoke.co.uk. If you are organising an event and would like it added to the website, please send more information to hello@lovebasingstoke.co.uk.

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