Golden Jubilee celebrations are planned across Sussex, though the excitement is unlikely to rival that of 1953.

To mark the Coronation there were decorations and street parties and schoolchildren were given commemorative gifts.

But attitudes to the royal family have changed, even since the 1977 Silver Jubilee, and this year's celebrations are likely to be less strident.

Nevertheless, preparations are under way to mark what will be the biggest royal celebration since the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

Across Sussex, festivities will be concentrated in the summer months to take advantage of better weather. But the official weekend of celebrations will take place from June 1 to 4.

The Government has announced an extra bank holiday on June 3. The traditional spring bank holiday will be changed to June 4, giving people a four-day holiday.

In Sussex, committees have been convened to raise money and organise events to ensure youngsters remember the occasion.

East Sussex County Council is planning Golden Jubilee church services in Brighton and Hove and Lewes and a children's concert, planned by the Lord Lieutenant's office.

Hilary Humphreys, assistant clerk to Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, said there were many other celebratory events in the pipeline.

In West Sussex, the highlight of the celebration is likely to be a visit from the Queen on June 7, as part of her Golden Jubilee tour.

Details of the visit remain secret but are bound to stir up excitement.

Worthing Borough Council is joining with businesses to put on a day of celebration costing £12,000.

The festivities are aimed to appeal to all ages and may include a children's parade along the seafront, an ice cream party, a garden tea party for senior citizens hosted by the mayor, and a party in the evening.

Children could be presented with commemorative certificates signed by the mayor.

In Eastbourne, a huge seafront party will take place at the bandstand on June 3. Entertainment will include fireworks and live music.

Other events include the first major use of Eastbourne's £3 million sports park, when more than 3,500 youngsters are expected to compete in Active Sports Talent Camp South-East, from June 28 to 30.

Brighton and Hove City Council is among the few councils not to be planning any major events, although dignitaries will attend a service at St Peter's Church.

A spokesman said the council had not seen a need to co-ordinate the celebrations, though it was willing to offer advice to organisers.

As in 1981 and 1977, it is expected many communities will choose to celebrate by holding street parties.

Among those already planning their celebrations are 14-year-old schoolgirls Sophie McKay and Billie Muraben, who are holding a street party in Addison Road, Hove.

The girls are also planning a display of England in the Fifties.

The Poets Corner Residents' Society is planning events in Stoneham Park, Hove, on June 3 and 4 and a street party will be held in Longridge Avenue, Brighton.

In Rother and Chichester, groups have been encouraged to apply for cash from a Golden Jubilee fund set up by their local district councils.

The Bexhill Horticultural Society is organising a garden party, while Northiam Parish Council is holding a Fifties Ball at the village hall.

Three days of events are planned by Catsfield Parish Council.

Some groups have decided to use the grants to create lasting memorials, such as playgrounds.

In Uckfield, the Rotary, Lions and Carnival Society are collaborating on plans to hold celebrations.

In Hastings, as in Brighton and Hove, there will be no central celebrations, although a spokesman said groups will be staging events.

Neither is anything planned in Adur District, where a council spokesman said it expected street parties to dominate celebrations.

A spokesman for Newhaven Town Council said councillors were still deciding how to mark the occasion but funds would be set aside.

In Seaford, celebrations will have a sporting theme. The town council is planning a concert, children and family fun days and a fun run.

Herstmonceux Parish Council is planning a tea party at the recreation ground on June 3, while Crowborough Town Council is hoping to combine celebrations with its summer fair on July 13.

East Preston Parish Council, near Worthing, is hoping to produce mugs for schoolchildren.

Other Jubilee events include a series of picnics to be held throughout the South-East to promote local dishes and produce, culminating in a picnic festival at the South of England showground in Ardingly on August 18.

Do you remember what you did during the Coronation or at the 1977 Silver Jubilee? Send your memories and photographs to Paul Holden at Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton BN1 8AR, or email paul.holden@theargus.co.uk
All photographs will be returned.