The Queen's Platinum Jubilee is set to be celebrated with a wide range of activities and events throughout Mid and East Antrim in the coming weeks.
Across the Borough, a series of community and civic events will take place to mark the Platinum Jubilee, as agreed by council Elected Members, to celebrate the civic leadership and dedication shown by Her Majesty throughout her 70 years as monarch.
This year there will be an extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th
June 2022, that will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout
the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate this remarkable occasion.
In the lead up to the bank holiday jubilee weekend, Council will be launching a number of community based activities that will encourage residents of all ages to participate within Platinum Jubilee themed events. These include:
• Bake a Cake fit for the Queen competition
• Poetry fit for the Queen Competition
• The Story of the Corgi
• Memories of Royal visits
• Primary 7 - Platinum Jubilee Coin
Running from Thursday 2 until Sunday 5 June 2022, planned free activities will include but are not limited to:
JUNE 2
At 2pm town criers will announce the official proclamation of the Platinum Jubilee events at Harmony Hub, Ballymena, The Big Lamp, Carrickfergus and Broadway, Larne.
That evening, beacons will be lit at events starting at 8pm in the three towns to join those in a chain of celebration across the UK. These will take place at People’s Park, Ballymena, Castle Green Carrickfergus, and Town Park, Larne.
Entertainment will lead up to the beacon lightings, expected to be at 9.45pm.
JUNE 4
Platinum Jubilee parties will be held in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena, featuring the cream of local music and entertainment talent ahead of the televising on large screens of the Buckingham Palace concert celebrating the historic occasion.
Platinum Parties with live screening of the national Platinum Jubilee Concert at the following venues:
• People's Park, Ballymena, from 6pm
• Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus, from 4pm
• Larne Market Yard from 6pm
Local celebrations will begin in the early evening and then livestream the concert from London.
JUNE 5
St. Patrick’s Church in Ballymena will be the location for an afternoon civic service, starting at 3pm, to reflect on the outstanding service of the Queen to the nation.
A number of groups and artists will perform at the various Platinum Jubilee events, such as: Raise the Roof Children's Choir, Carnival Promotions magic show/ puppet shows, Face Painting, Magheramorne Silver Band, singer Tim Johnston, Third Carrick Silver Band, Sir Henry Inglesby's Fife and Drum, Star of Knockagh Accordion Band, Zolene and the ALS Band, Studio 86 Dancers, and the group Tartan Riot. More acts are still to be confirmed.
Council have previously granted permission to the Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors to light a beacon at Knockagh on 2 June 2022.
Various sites across Mid and East Antrim will receive a makeover, specially branded to mark the Platinum Jubilee with flower beds and jubilee decorations on display.
In addition to the official events, Council has a grant scheme which is offering local community groups the opportunity to stage their own events during the holiday period, encouraging celebrations on Friday 3 June so as not to clash with official events.
More details here:
A ‘Poetry Fit for a Queen’ competition for local schools has been launched, with a category for adults. Council will also issue an official telegram of congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen.
For more information visit: