Stowmarket will hold three events to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

The country is celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with two bank-holidays on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June.

With the celebration fast approaching, it’s time to break down the three major events happening in Stowmarket to start looking forward to.

These events include Stowmarket Carnival leading a Jubilee-inspired procession through the town, StowFiesta taking place at Chilton Fields and a ceremonial beacon being lit at Recreation Grounds.

1. Stowmarket Carnival

The celebrations begin with the 59th Stowmarket Carnival procession kicking things off at 12.00pm on Thursday, June 2.

This volunteer-led project is making its first appearance in two years due to the pandemic.

With six Jubilee-themed floats confirmed, the procession will be sporting a proud British red, white and blue palette to honour her majesty’s 70th year of service.

They are also encouraging audience members to incorporate this theme into their attire to make the town burst with colour.

There’s plenty to look forward to at this year’s procession. Stowmarket Carnival chair, Simon Burton, said: “There’s majorettes, marching bands, tractors and things like that. Even a Battle of Britain memorial flypast at 12.16pm

“Along the route, we’re making bunting and Union flags available for the audience members. We hope this makes the day a bit brighter and even more exciting.”

“We’re also going to some of the care homes too and sharing the bunting and flags with those who may be unable to actually be at the event - just because someone can’t physically come, doesn’t mean they can’t join in and celebrate with us.”

Over 600 goodie-bags will be shared with children watching the event and each bag contains a variety of sweet treats and surprises.

The carnival will be following a traditional route through the town.

Simon said: “The procession will be leaving the PPG car parks at noon, down to Combs Ford, through Stowmarket’s marketplace, then past the Recreation Grounds and up Onehouse road to Stowmarket Highschool.”

“People can move on from there to the Rugby Club and Chilton Fields where StowFiesta will be starting at 1.30pm”

2. StowFiesta

At 1.30pm, StowFiesta will be continuing the festivities its their fantastic lineup of live music and family-friendly fun.

This year the free festival is taking place at Chilton Fields with the support of Stowmarket Rugby Club.

There are plenty of activities to keep the children entertained. This includes a climbing wall, circus skills workshops, face painting and Punch and Judy performances - all of which are free.

David Marsh, events and theatre manager, said: “When I had young children, I was fully aware that you’re more likely to stay at an event if your children are being entertained. When they’re not, it can become difficult”.

“Also, if each activity were £10 and you’ve got three children - it basically becomes a really expensive day out. So we’ve really prided ourselves on making it family friendly and cost effective - if not free for most things.”

There will also be hot food and drink for sale at the event and attendees will be encouraged to purchase from the festival’s vendors as this helps to support the event.

Some of the live acts playing include: Diggin For Diamonds, Albion Mills, Soul Corporation, The Blaggers and more.

Thursday’s StowFiesta will conclude at 9.00pm and start up again on Friday, June 3 at 1.30pm for another fun-filled day.

3. Platinum Jubilee Beacon

After a day of entertainment on Thursday, June 2, the StowFiesta crowds will then be encouraged to head down to Recreation Ground for the lighting of the Jubilee beacon.

This event will take place from 9.00pm - giving audience members a chance to head across town and find a good spot to witness the beacon being lit.

Stowmarket’s mayor, Keith Scarff, will say a few words to mark the occasion and the beacon’s flame will align with hundreds of other beacons being lit up across the country in unison.

This is an opportunity for some reflection on this once in a lifetime event that will round up the evening.

These three free events have been supported by local businesses and made possible by volunteers - coming together to celebrate the Queen’s longevity.

During the events, there will also be collection buckets to help raise money towards future Carnival events.

Every donation will be repurposed back into the funding for Stowmarket Carnival Comittee's future projects - including Stowmarket’s Carnival 60th anniversary in 2023.

If you would like further information, please visit stowfiesta.co.uk, stowmarketcarnival.org.uk and stowmarkettowncouncil.gov.uk.