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How to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee in Dover, Deal and Sandwich

People across the Dover district are preparing to celebrate the Queen's 70 year reign.

An extended four-day Bank Holiday weekend starting tomorrow (Thursday) is being used to mark the occasion.

Her Majesty the Queen is celebrating 70 years on the throne. Photograph Sean Hansford
Her Majesty the Queen is celebrating 70 years on the throne. Photograph Sean Hansford

Here's a round up of some of the events taking place throughout Dover, Deal, Sandwich and surrounding villages.

Eastry

The Eastry Queen's Jubilee Fete will be held on Thursday, June 2 at Eastry Gun Park, in Wilmott Place.

The event, from 2pm until 10pm, has been organsied by Eastry Events, a community group set up earlier this year.

The day will include face painting, beer tent, magic and fire shows, Rock Choir, dance troupes, baking competition, traditional fete games, picnic area, tug of war, food trucks, more than 50 stalls and music from Deal Radio.

There will be a beacon ceremony by Eastry Parish Council between 9pm and 10pm.

Admission is free, with the event supporting several charities.

Chair of Eastry Events, Laura Lewis said: "While Eastry Events is about hosting fun events in Eastry, we pride ourselves on supporting local charities, clubs and organisations within the village and any profits go to the next event.

"It is also a great time to bring the community back together after a long two year pandemic."

The Queen in Dover in 1975, visiting the Royal Green Jackets at Connaught Barracks
The Queen in Dover in 1975, visiting the Royal Green Jackets at Connaught Barracks

Walmer

A free community party for all ages will take place on Walmer Green from noon until 8pm on Saturday, June 4.

It will include an exhibition on the changing world of food, fashion and transport over the past 70 years.

Organisers Walmer Town Council are also combining the party with its inaugural Best of Kent food, beer and wine festival - which is scheduled to become an annual event.

The highlight of the day will be a special Jubilee concert featuring the Queen’s favourite music, from 7pm.

A Jubilee Band has been specially put together for the occasion.

The bandleader is former Royal Marines School of Music Instructor of Drums and Percussion, Brian Short.

“Her Majesty has been a Queen for all the people during her reign and her taste in music reflects that,” explained Cllr Marguerite Beard-Gould who is organising the event on behalf of Walmer Town Council.

“We were fascinated to discover that her personal favourite music ranges from George Formby, Leaning on a Lamp Post to military music- all of which we intend to play”.

The concert is free, and people can bring there own chairs if they wish.

A beacon will be lit at Dover Castle. Picture: Claire Baker
A beacon will be lit at Dover Castle. Picture: Claire Baker

Dover Castle

One of two beacons for the town will be lit here tomorrow at 9.45pm.

There is no public access to the castle then but the ceremony can be seen live via video feed here

Dover Western Docks

Members of the public can attend the second beacon lighting at Clocktower Square and the Marina Curve, again tomorrow at 9.45pm.

Just before that, at 9.35pm, a piper will perform Diu Regnare. This is a piece of music composed by Stuart Liddell and its Latin title means Long Reign.

At 9.40pm a bugler will play the piece Majesty.

Clarendon Road, Dover

A Platinum Jubilee street party will take place at the Malvern Inn and Clarendon Road, in Dover, from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, June 4.

It will include a barbecue, stalls, raffle and tombola and those joining in also have the option of bring their own picnics.

The southern half of Clarendon Road will be closed from 10am.

This is a joint effort by the pub and Belgrave Youth Club and profits from it will go to causes such as the club.

A street party has been organised by the Malvern Inn
A street party has been organised by the Malvern Inn

Burgoyne Heights, Dover

There will be live music, falconry displays, inflatable assault courses, donkey rides, a bar and food, axe throwing and archery at the

Burgoyne Heights Jubilee Celebrations on Saturday, June 4.

The event in Dover will run from 12pm to 6pm, with wristbands available from £5 for unlimited access.

Pencester Gardens, Dover

A Picnic in the Park will be held in Dover's Pencester Gardens on Sunday, June 5 from 10am to 4pm.

Organised by Dover Town Council and Destination Dover, the park will be decorated for the occasion, with picnic tables and chairs provided for people.

There will also be stalls providing food and drink plus music and entertainment on the pavilion.

There will be free workshops and activities for families to take part in, including land zorbs, assault courses, bungee trampolines, climbing wall, games such as coconut shire, face painting, children’s soft play equipment, and river dipping.

A picnic will be held in Pencester Gardens. Picture: Chris Davey
A picnic will be held in Pencester Gardens. Picture: Chris Davey

There is also a Jubilee cake competition, judged by the W.I.

To register, visit shorturl.at/jsyHT

A spokesman said: "You are invited to bring a picnic to share this momentous occasion with family and friends.

"This fun-filled celebration will be a great way for our community to come together, relax and enjoy each other’s company after such a long, challenging period following the Covid pandemic."

Deal

A series of portraits celebrating the Jubilee in an alternative, Punk fashion will be available at the Don’t Walk Walk gallery in Deal, between June 2-12.

Artist Fabienne Jenny Jacquet has created for the show a series of portraits loosely based on photographs of the Queen.

Sholden

A charity cricket match will be played for the Martha Trust charity for people with profound disabilities.

Team Martha will take on Walmer Cricket Club at its home ground at Hull Sports Club, Farm Lane Sholden, from 6pm on Friday, June 3.

There will be a barbecue and the clubhouse is open from 4pm. The Mike Kelly Band will play from 8.30pm

River

River Parish Council is combining the annual village fete with celebrations for the Jubilee.

The fete will be on Sunday, June 5 from 11am at River recreation ground, off Lewisham Road.

There will be stalls, dog shows, food and drink, vintage fun fair and live music.

There will also be a free noise reduced firework display from 9.30pm.

Eastry

A Flower Festival and Art Show will be held at St Mary's Church, in Eastry from Thursday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm daily except Sunday when it is 11am to 5pm.

The festival is a special one to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The arrangements and designs represent some of the events and commitments related to the Queen.

There is also an art show with works by local artists.

  • If you are holding a Jubilee event, please send photos to mercurynews@thekmgroup.co.uk for a chance to feature in next week's paper
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