There is not long to go until Llanidloes celebrates in style for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Organisers have been busy preparing a special four-day Bank Holiday weekend to remember that will be enjoyed by generations of Llanidloes residents in June.
"Let’s just hope the weather is kind to us and we are able to enjoy the festivities outside," said Jane Owen, one of the organisers of the weekend of free events.
The celebrations start in the Community Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 2, where there will be a short Thanksgiving Service, musical performances from local choirs and Llanidloes High School and Primary School pupils and the poetry competition winners will be revealed. The evening will culminate with the singing of ‘The Song for the Commonwealth’ followed by the lighting of the Jubilee Beacons at 9.45pm.
Then on Saturday (June 4), the Great Oak Street Party will take place from 1pm to 4pm where the whole community is encouraged to join in by bringing their own mug, cakes and food without nuts for people to share. Tea, coffee and squash will be provided free of charge, and there will be free lunch boxes for children organised by the Community Fridge. Ash and Elm and Llanidloes Church members will prepare posies for the tables. The day's celebrations will then end with a dance at Llanidloes Rugby Club at 7pm.
Jane added: "We would love to cover the tables with Laura Ashley material so if you have a some please drop it off with your name and number attached to Ty Hardd Fabrics so we can get it back to you after the event."
The town centre will be a hive of activities on Saturday including The Wool and Willow Festival inside the Minerva Centre where there will also be the Signatory Book for people to sign. Children can enjoy the ‘Winnie Hunt’ in High Street to find a collection of corgis around town, and sports in Bethel Street.
An exhibition of local organisations will be based at both ends of Great Oak Street with an entertainment space in the middle of the street. The Arwystli Society will have a local history display in the pop-up shop opposite Spar, and there will be peace trees to hang up thoughts written on a card in a quiet moment in the Millennium Gardens.
Angela Swindell, event organiser, said: "We are a small committee organising this event and there has been a lot of support from Amberon, the Community Centre, The Hanging Gardens, Llanidloes Rotary, PAVO and the Town Council. Both the Community Centre and The Hanging Gardens have been successful in receiving Lottery Community Grants to help make these celebrations happen for the community.
"Thank you also for the Guides for agreeing to help set out the tables and chairs, the Scouts for putting them away at the end, St John’s Ambulance for covering the first aid and providing demonstrations, the Rugby Club for manning the security and parking. There are many people coming forward to entertain the community including Llanidloes Cheerleaders."
The Llanidloes Rotarians will organise a voluntary donation to raise money for the Ukrainian Appeal.
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