RESIDENTS across the city are set to start four days of celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
More than 100 street parties, community events and picnics will take place across Brighton and Hove for the bank holiday to mark the historic occasion.
A newly-refurbished beacon on Hove esplanade will also be lit this evening for the first time, along with dozens of others across the county, the UK and the Commonwealth.
The city’s tourist attractions have also been doing their bit to join the festivities, with staff at the i360 donning face masks of the Queen and climbing on the attraction’s glass pod, the South Downs planting thousands of trees as part of the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ initiative and Drusillas Park naming two cotton-top tamarin babies Queenie and Duke.
The Royal Pavilion, once the seaside retreat for George IV, is inviting people to bring their own picnic to their garden and enjoy entertainment throughout the day, including children’s workshops, storytelling, jugglers and music.
Mayor of Brighton and Hove Lizzie Deane said: “The Platinum Jubilee is a historic, national occasion and I know many people are looking forward to having a long weekend to spend with friends and family.
“The Queen is the longest-serving female head of state in history and has been a positive role model during her 70 years of public service. I recognise the dignity she has shown throughout and acknowledge the global respect she has earned.
“It really has been a testing time over recent years with covid, war and rising costs affecting so many people’s lives.
“I hope communities can take the opportunity to come together to share something positive and celebrate in the spirit of this historic milestone.”
However, those seeking to get away for the bank holiday weekend could face delays, with Southern Rail warning train services will be “very busy” and reports of travel chaos at airports across the country, including Gatwick.
More than 80 road closures will also be in place across Brighton and Hove over the four-day weekend to allow residents to host street parties.
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