Announcements

Pickering is planning four days of celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Events will get underway on Saturday, June 2 with a variety show at the Kirk Theatre, followed by thanksgiving services on Sunday, June 3 and a tree planting ceremony at Newbridge that afternoon.

The party starts in earnest on Monday, June 4 at 8pm with dancers from Dancetastic and Stape Silver Band performing in the Market Place, a community church service – involving all the town’s churches – will take place at St Peter’s and St Paul’s church and a choir from Scouts, Guides and the town’s schools will also perform.

The evening will end in a beacon lighting ceremony in Pickering’s Market Place at 10pm.

Marion Buchanan, one of the organisers, said Pickering is at the heart of the Queen’s Duchy of Lancaster estate and the celebrations on Tuesday, June 5 will all take place in the grounds of Pickering’s royal castle, originally built by William the Conqueror.

“The hope is to create that street party atmosphere in a properly royal setting. Great care has been taken to ensure that there is something for everyone during the day and it will start with a magic show and teddy bears’ picnic,” she added.

“Fancy dress, races and games will run into the afternoon with some great stalls and entertainment provided by local groups. Dancers, Stape Silver Band and Pickering Acoustic Music will entertain throughout the afternoon.”

At 6.30pm the evening’s entertainments will start with a solo guitar performance of God Save the Queen by Pickering musician, Jonathon Cousins, which will be followed by a line up of local bands creating a festival atmosphere in the castle’s grounds. The line up for the evening is Chu Ma Shu, Smokestack Sunrise, Rocket Smith, Fingerprint and No Offence.

Marion stressed that there would be a strict no alcohol policy in the grounds of the castle.

“This free celebration has been the inspiration of the Pickering Town Youth council and the committee put together to help them realise their ideas,” she said.

“It is a day for all to enjoy. We hope people will dress up in red, white and blue, bring their families and a picnic and join in the town’s celebration.”