Can you carry a torch for the Queen this summer?

The Jubilee weekend will include a two-day family-friendly festival with street theatre, live music, dance, art, and activities

The search is on for torch-bearers to take part in a parade of light in Oldham to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee in June.

The torchlit procession and beacon lighting event will kick off Oldham’s Jubilee celebrations, and organisers are encouraging residents to nominate Oldhamers who have done something extraordinary to take part in the parade on 2 June, as one of 70 Jubilee torch bearers.

The event will be the start of a packed weekend of events across the town organised by Oldham Council as part of the four-day bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June.

More than 1,500 beacons will be lit across the country at the same time to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.

In Oldham, 70 local people will join a torchlit procession before congregating at Oldham Parish Church where the beacon will be lit. The evening will also include speeches from local dignitaries and a performance from Oldham’s Scottish Pipe Band before the lighting of the beacon at 9.45pm.

In 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In 1977, 2002 and 2012, beacons commemorated the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of The Queen, and in 2016 Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “We’ve got some really exciting plans in place to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, with something for all the family to enjoy.

“Reaching 70 years on the throne is a first for any British monarch - a truly historic milestone. I encourage people to get involved and be a part of this incredible occasion.

“We want to see nominations of people from across the borough and as many local organisations, community groups, businesses and individuals as possible participating in this special tribute to Her Majesty. So, get in touch!”

Make your nomination online here by 5pm on Monday 11 April. Residents must be aged 12 or over. The winning nominations will be chosen by a panel and bearers will be informed by Monday 25 April.

The Jubilee weekend will include a two-day family-friendly festival with street theatre, live music, dance, art, and activities including arts and crafts, and big screens showing the national Jubilee Pageant in London.

People from across the borough will have the opportunity to celebrate together at street parties in their own communities, with funding available for 70 groups to throw parties in their neighbourhoods. Further details of how to apply are available here.

Full details of events, timings and locations will be available in the lead up to the celebrations.

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