Brighton and Hove prepares to mark Platinum Jubilee

Across Brighton and Hove, 105 different events marking the Queen’s 70 years as monarch are taking place, including a family picnic in the Royal Pavilion Gardens and the lighting of a new LED beacon on the Hove esplanade.

The beacon will be switched on at 9.45pm on June 2 to begin the four-day bank holiday weekend and will continue to illuminate the seafront in the evenings.

Hove Beacon will be lit up on June 2 to begin the Jubilee festivities across the city

The Mayor will also open a programme of events hosted by Brighton Fringe in the Royal Pavilion Gardens on June 4, with people encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy with friends and family.

Entertainment, including children’s workshops, storytelling, jugglers and music, will be taking place throughout the day.

Meanwhile, 81 road closures will be in place across the city for street parties, with another eight events taking place in open spaces, parks and gardens.

The council has allocated more than £6,000 in funding for 16 community events with a range of activities, including cake sales, fancy dress competitions, morris dancing, music, and arts and crafts.

A further £15,000 of funding has also been set aside for community organisations and groups who want to take part in planting schemes to encourage birds, bees, and other wildlife as part of the Jubilee legacy.

Thousands of trees have been planted across the South Downs to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee (Image: PA)

A national tree planting scheme, the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’, has called on everyone to plant a tree to mark the occasion, with thousands of trees planted across the South Downs National Park.

The surviving twin elm in Preston Park has also been chosen as part of a network of 70 ancient trees to be dedicated to the Queen in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.

Newly-elected Brighton and Hove Mayor 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.”