Plans to mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee are well underway in Rutland, with local communities encouraged to take part in a host of celebrations.

Her Majesty the Queen will shortly become the first Monarch to celebrate 70 years of service, after ascending to the throne in 1952. Lots of activities are planned as part of a huge national celebration, including the lighting of beacons, festivals, and the Big Jubilee Lunch.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness is inviting everyone in the county to join the platinum jubilee celebrations and mark this special occasion with friends, families, and neighbours, with full details on the Lieutenancy's website.

Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, said: "Like so many people, I am very much looking forward to celebrating Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. It will be a historic celebration. The Queen has served our country with distinction for seven decades, as both Sovereign and Head of State.

"She is a source of immense pride, inspiration, and comfort for countless people around the world, and the dedication she has shown in service to our nation and the Commonwealth is nothing short of incredible. I hope, like me, everyone in Rutland will take this amazing opportunity to celebrate Her Majesty's reign and pay special tribute to a Monarch who is entirely without equal in so many of our hearts."

In addition to formal celebrations, Rutland County Council has shared information explaining how residents can go about arranging their own community event or jubilee street party. This can be found online.

Rutland County Council will provide guidance for anyone who would like to hold street parties to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, to make sure all events are held safely. Anyone wishing to hold a jubilee street party must notify the Council by Friday the 29th of April.

Residents are encouraged to consider the use of public open spaces like parks or gardens before requesting a road closure. This is to help reduce the impact on essential services and those with work commitments, who will still need safe access to local roads. Road closure applications cannot be accepted for main A, B or C roads.

As with the Queen's golden and diamond jubilees, national celebrations will take place in the first week of June. There will also be a four-day bank holiday from Thursday the 2nd of June to Sunday the 5th of June 2022. The series of activities that are being planned locally in Rutland include:

Community Decorations Week, Monday the 23rd to Friday the 27th of May

Communities and local businesses are encouraged to decorate their village, street and home with bunting and flags to start the celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in Rutland.

Beacon Lighting, Thursday the 2nd of June

As part of the Platinum Jubilee weekend, beacons will be lit in both Oakham and Uppingham. For those who would like to organise their own Beacon Lighting, further information can be found online. Expressions of interest must be registered no later than the 1st of June 2022.

Jubilee Festivals, Friday the 3rd of June

Music events will take place in Oakham and Uppingham, featuring local bands and dance groups.

The Rutland County Show, Saturday the 4th of June

The 2022 Rutland County Show will take place at the Rutland Showground on Saturday the 4th of June and have a strong Platinum Jubilee theme.

Live television broadcast of The Platinum Party at the Palace

The BBC will broadcast a special live concert from Buckingham Palace that will bring together some of the biggest entertainment stars. Venues with access to a screen in public spaces can choose to show TV coverage of the Jubilee.

The Big Jubilee Lunch, Sunday the 5th of June

The Palace is encouraging communities to hold Big Lunch events on Sunday the 5th of June. The Big Lunch will bring the Jubilee celebrations into the heart of every community. It is intended to encourage communities to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little bit better, coming together in a spirit of fun and friendship.

Services of Thanksgiving

Special services of Thanksgiving will be held throughout Rutland to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Details of these services will be released closer to the event and will be published on our website and Facebook page, so don't forget to follow us and sign up to our newsletter to catch the latest updates.