Communities in Kirklees are preparing to celebrate the platinum jubilee weekend in style with a range of events across the district.

Kirklees Council will be hosting a number of events during the Bank Holiday weekend, starting with the lighting of the Castle Hill Beacon on Thursday 2 June. The ceremony will include musical performances from 9.15pm before the beacon lighting at 9.45pm, which will be conducted by the Mayor of Kirklees, supported by local Scouts.

Families can enjoy a choice of free fun days taking place at parks across Kirklees on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June including, Oakwell Hall, Greenhead Park and Beaumont Park, with live music and family friendly activities.

Bagshaw Museum in Batley will invite people to step back in time to the start of The Queen’s reign to learn about l
ife in the 1950s with a fun family trail from Tuesday 31 May to Sunday 5 June and an exhibition on Thursday 2 June.

Classical music fans can enjoy a rousing Last night of the Promsstyle concert performed by Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra at Dewsbury Town Hall on Sunday 5 June at 5pm with British favourites such as Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem, and of course Rule Britannia. Tickets are £5 plus booking fee.

And although the deadline for road closures for street parties has passed, residents are still encouraged to get together with their neighbours for a cuppa and a picnic as part of the Big Jubilee Lunch.

Leader of Kirklees Council, Sahbir Pandor said: “We have a fantastic community spirit in Kirklees and I’m delighted that people across Kirklees can take advantage of the extended bank holiday weekend to come together at our host of free, inclusive and accessible events to celebrate the Queen’s historic jubilee.

“As well as the events, and the lighting of the Castle Hill Beacon, we will be marking this unprecedented anniversary by proudly flying special platinum jubilee flags at all our Town Hall buildings across Kirklees.

“Ahead of the celebrations, I’d like to wish all our residents a happy Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend and hope they come together with family, friends and neighbours to enjoy the festivities on offer.”

Councillor Will Simpson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees said: “Were all set for a wonderful weekend of Jubilee celebrations across the district. From sharing a picnic with neighbours as part of the Big Jubilee Lunch, to gathering at one of our Green Flag award winning parks, Kirklees provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate the historic 70-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen.

Kirklees Council are encouraging residents to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee by publishing local event listings, activities and party ideas on their Queen’s Platinum Jubilee page