The Council has received funding of £8,543 from National Lottery Awards For All England to deliver a range of activities relating to the Platinum Jubilee. The funding aims to support people and communities most adversely impacted by COVID-19.

It will see Warrington Borough Council’s 18 community centres celebrating the royal occasion by hosting over 30 themed events throughout next week, in the run-up to the Platinum Jubilee - ranging from Queen’s Tea Parties for older residents to ‘Kings and Queens’ events for the youngest in the town.  Everyone is being invited to dress in red, white and blue and head down to their local community centre to join the events.

Specially created ‘Jubilee Boxes’ will give community groups everything they need to ensure their individual Jubilee celebrations go with a swing. The boxes include historic photographs looking back at the history of the Queen’s reign, which should ensure plenty of interesting conversations and sharing of memories.

Other local groups and organisations which are benefiting from the funding include LifeTime, Home Start, James Lee House, Creating Adventures, Creative Remedies, Warrington Youth Zone and Warrington Borough Council Youth Services.

Each of these groups will bring people together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, with art and craft activities encouraging social interaction in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “The Platinum Jubilee will be a momentous occasion for our country, and I’m thrilled that so many Warrington residents will have the opportunity to celebrate with their neighbours and friends in our community centres.

“Following the hardship of the Covid pandemic and the isolation caused by our periods of extended lockdown, it’s absolutely fantastic to be able to bring people together in the heart of their communities in an atmosphere of joy, celebration and togetherness.”

To capture the momentous occasion, local cultural organisation, Ludovico have been commissioned to create a short film about how Warrington came together to mark the Platinum Jubilee. This will become a permanent record in the archives at Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, and will be shared in community venues across the borough.

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for culture, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “I’m delighted that our community centres will be hosting these special Platinum Jubilee celebrations, bringing people across the borough together to mark this momentous occasion.

“We are grateful to the National Lottery for this funding, which means we can deliver a range of fun, inclusive activities for people of all ages to enjoy. I’m looking forward to our communities coming alive with a huge celebration of our proud history, heritage and culture.”

In addition to Warrington’s community events, a special event will be held at Warrington Town Hall on Saturday 4th June, from 9.30 to 11am. Residents are invited to join the Mayor at a Jubilee Breakfast and Listen with local historian, Janice Hayes. Tickets, which cost £10.95 and include a breakfast barm with tea or coffee, are available at warrington.gov.uk/mayor

Walton Hall and Gardens is also joining the celebrations, by hosting with the Big Jubilee Lunch, part of the official celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee, on Sunday 5 June from 12noon to 5pm. The event will include circus performers, gourmet street food, dog displays, Morris dancing, a choir, afternoon tea and more. For more information, visit waltonhallgardens.co.uk/big-jubilee-lunch