Barking and Dagenham Residents can enjoy a whole host of patriotic fun this summer as part of the council’s festivities for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Four days of free, family fun events will take place across the extended bank holiday weekend, kicking-off on Thursday 2 June with an evening celebrating all things East End with the Cockney Night and Beacon Lighting event inside the historic grounds of Barking Abbey Ruins.
As well as a live performance from former Eastenders star Laurie Brett (better known as Jane Beale), there will be a Chas ‘n’ Dave tribute band and war-time songs from the O’Brien Sisters.
The Jubilee Beacon will also be lit, one of many across the country to mark 70 years since Her Majesty’s coronation, and the evening will finish off with a grand fireworks finale.
The next day, Friday 3 June, the Barking Folk Festival is back at Abbey Green and Abbey Ruins for a family friendly day festival showcasing the best in English and world folk music and dance.
Sea shanty sensation and ‘Wellerman’ singer, Nathan Evans will be headlining the event along with folk troubadour Beans on Toast, The Turbans, Tankus the Henge and folk-pop duo Guise, which also features creative workshops, storytelling and yoga in the Tipi, spoken word and street theatre.
We’re really excited to be able to mark this historic occasion by inviting residents to come together and celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne with some free festivities for all
On Saturday 4 June, The Platinum Jubilee Day promises more family fun including workshops where our mini festival friends can create their own music, poetry and crafts galore. Families can even don their crowns and robes and have a selfie with the Queen, but unfortunately not the real one! The majestic Abbey Ruins features Jazz East Jubilee brought to you in partnership with London East Jazz Network celebrating 70 years of Great British jazz.
Residents can also enjoy a ‘Right Royal Brunch’ with the new Mayor and enjoy some bubbles and the beautiful sounds of a string quartet.
And to wrap up the weekend, on Sunday 5 June, the ever-popular Youth Parade returns for its eighth year.
Revellers can enjoy free rides and join the B&D Block Party Marquee with activities and gaming attractions from the Barking & Dagenham Small Group Consortium and watch performances from some of the borough’s most inspirational young people.
Valence House will also be hosting a special 2-day event on the 3 and 4 June. The ‘Right Royal Romp Through Time’ will be a free family event where attendees can meet some kings and queens from history including warrior Queen Boudica, Henry VIII and Queen Victoria. More information can be found on the Valence House website.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Darren Rodwell, said: “We’re really excited to be able to mark this historic occasion by inviting residents to come together and celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne with some free festivities for all.
“We’ve all had a difficult few years with the pandemic, so this extended weekend will be a fantastic opportunity to get together with friends and family and enjoy some top entertainment and create some lifelong memories – it will truly be one of those moments where in years to come, you remember where you were.”
To find out more visit www.lbbd.gov.uk/summer-of-festivals