Celebration call to communities for Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

The Jubilee will mark 60 years since the Queen came to the throne and will be celebrated by an extended bank holiday weekend on June 2, 3, 4 and 5, next year. Communities are being encouraged to hold celebrations to mark the occasion, and Dr Roscoe is keen to encourage people in West Yorkshire to get involved.

Dr Roscoe said last night: “The Diamond Jubilee is a magnificent anniversary not only for Her Majesty, but for our country, too – it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

“Only one other British monarch has ever celebrated a Diamond Jubilee and that was Queen Victoria in 1897.

“Several major events are being planned to take place in London over the celebration weekend, but I would encourage the people of West Yorkshire, alongside their friends, family and neighbours to plan and organise their own celebrations to mark this very special occasion. We particularly hope younger people will be keen to get involved, too.”

Community groups, and businesses are also encouraged to organise events. Although the main celebrations will be held on the first weekend in June, 2012, it is hoped there will be a full year of celebrations starting from February 6, 2012, the official start of the Diamond Jubilee year.

Today, a public launch will take place at Leeds Civic Hall, one year in advance of the start of the Jubilee year.

The launch will see the Lord Lieutenant, supported by her Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants, outline the Diamond Jubilee celebration plans as well as highlight key events which will happen across Kirklees, Calderdale, Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield.

People are being encouraged to organise community parties, festivals, picnics and other events around the bank holiday weekend. Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has said organisers should not to be put off by the fear of unnecessary red tape or rules and regulations. More information can be found at www.westyorkshirelieutenancy.org.uk