This year marks the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth to the throne, the first British monarch to achieve this amazing milestone. National celebrations for the platinum jubilee are focused on the long weekend from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June, which includes an extra bank holiday.

Sandwell Council has announced plans to give everyone in our borough a chance to come together and commemorate this historic occasion in style.

The Big Lunch
Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June
Every year since 2009, neighbours have been encouraged to get together over the summer to hold a Big Lunch – whether that’s a picnic in the park, a street party or a bring-a-dish gathering at a community centre. This year, residents across Sandwell are encouraged to make the celebrations even bigger and better, and to join families, friends and neighbours to break bread and celebrate the jubilee over the long weekend.

Activity Weekend
Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June
Sandwell Valley Park Farm Courtyard will host a weekend programme of activities for all ages, including traditional fair stalls, jubilee-themed stalls, food, drink and history. There will also be a chance to cook using Forge Mill Farm ingredients to prepare your own Big Lunch treats.

Beacon Lighting
9.30pm, Thursday 2 June
The Sandwell Beacon will be part of an important chain of beacons, lit across the country to celebrate the jubilee. It will be visible across Sandwell, using environmentally friendly lighting to illuminate the Sandwell Beacon Monument. From some high points in the borough it will even be possible to see two other beacons in Dudley and Walsall, all of them lit simultaneously.

Civic Leaders’ Tree Planting
10am, Friday 11 March
Civic leaders across the UK will all be planting a tree on the same day – the 70th day of the Queen’s 70th year on the throne. The Queen’s Tree in Sandwell will be planted in Sandwell Valley Country Park, and marked with a commemorative plaque. Everyone is welcome to come along and witness the event.

As well as these public events, the mayor and civil leaders will also be hosting a lavish garden party for 500 special guests at Sandwell Valley Showground on Sunday 5 June. Those invited will include residents the same age as the Queen, community leaders and people who live and work in the borough, bringing together some of the oldest and youngest residents. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of food and drink, entertainment, games and activities.

Councillor Danny Millard, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism said “This is an historic event for our country and I would encourage everyone to get involved in one of our organised events, or simply get together with family, friends and neighbours to celebrate the occasion and honour the life and work of Her Majesty, The Queen.”

The Think Sandwell team is looking forward to joining in the celebrations, and to hearing what the brilliant businesses of our borough are doing to mark the occasion. Let us know what your company is planning via our contact form.