Wednesbury is hosting a free family fun day tomorrow to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee! 

There will be entertainment from 12 noon to 4pm in Union Street and there’s something for everyone: live music, street performers, balloon artistry, a stilt walker, face painting, free goody bags for children, free soft drinks, tea and royal cake.

Plus, you can have your portrait taken with the Queen (also known as Patricia Ford) to remember this special day.

The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Richard Jones, will open the festivities at 12 noon and Union Street will be decorated with red, white and blue bunting which has been knitted and crocheted by local women who are part of The Knights of Wednesbury. 

There will also be an exhibition of archival photographs of the Queen’s visit to Wednesbury in 1962 and an exhibition of portraits of the Queen made by Wednesbury school children.

Councillor Richard Jones said: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 celebration events will bring together Sandwell families, friends, neighbours and communities, providing us with opportunities to thank Her Majesty for her devoted service to the people of this country and the Commonwealth, across seven decades of extraordinary change.

“From tree planting to beacon lighting, from the Big Lunch to Wednesbury’s family fun day, these celebrations will demonstrate the people of Sandwell’s affection for and goodwill to the Queen, while offering enjoyment, hope and optimism after some difficult times for so many of us.”

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “Communities in Wednesbury are invited to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 with free entertainment that reflects local people, their stories and the rich heritage and culture that make the town unique.

“The event – one of the many Platinum Jubilee activities taking place in Sandwell – will provide an opportunity to celebrate the Queen’s 70 years as our monarch. It will make people feel proud of where they live, capture the vibrancy of our thriving communities and showcase local talent in an engaging, inspiring programme.”

The day of festivities is being organised by Multistory – a community arts organisation based in West Bromwich – and other local organisations that are members of the We Are Wednesbury working group.

We are Wednesbury is a cultural, community programme being developed with local residents, groups, communities and artists. It is part of the Wednesbury High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), which is led and funded by Sandwell Council in conjunction with Historic England to re-establish the historic character of the area and create a vibrant, welcoming space.

The Wednesbury HSHAZ programme features arts projects, artist commissions, workshops, talks and events in libraries, community centres and indoor and outdoor public spaces throughout Wednesbury until early 2024.  

For more information on the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Sandwell visit: www.discoversandwell.co.uk/platinum-jubilee