Ipswich: Diamond Jubilee Plans

4 June 2012, 06:00

A royal celebration be taking place in Ipswich town centre this weekend to commemorate The Queen's 60-year reign.

Yesterday there was a Big Jubilee Lunch on the Cornhill with a piazza-style dining experience including table service from surrounding cafes, pubs and restaurants, along with music and street entertainment with a Commonwealth twist.

Today, a series of 2,012 beacons will be lit across the UK, with Her Majesty lighting the first from Buckingham Palace. Ipswich is one of just 42 towns and cities in the UK given this honour and the beacon will be lit at 10pm beside Christchurch Mansion, with a full programme of activities and entertainment through the day including parades, music and fireworks.

The Ipswich Diamond Jubilee Celebrations are being supported by Ipswich Building Society, who are also holding a campaign to find a member of the public to light the Ipswich beacon. People wanting to be considered for this can apply to do so in one of their branches.

Councillor David Ellesmere, the Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "This is going to be one of the highlights of the 2012 calendar. The Queen has given a lifetime of service to the country and Ipswich will be leading the way in celebrating her reign. I hope that communities across the town will also join in with their own events."

Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor John Le Grys speaks to Heart