Eureka Park beacon lighting ceremony on Thursday kicks off Jubilee events in Swadlincote and South Derbyshire

A number of events to mark the The Queen's 70-year reign are taking place in Swadlincote and South Derbyshire this week.

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee commemorations will run from June 2-5, combining with the Bank Holiday, to create a four-day weekend where people can come together to celebrate the historic milestone.

But the district council is keen to underline there are many Queen's Platinum Jubilee activities taking place locally for people to get involved with and enjoy.

A Jubilee Beacon Lighting ceremony will take place Eureka Park, Swadlincote on Thursday (8.45pm – 10pm) where visitors can enjoy a parade, service of thanks, and a variety of live music including the Gresley Male Voice Choir. The parade starts at 8.45pm, with the beacon lighting at 9.45pm - in line with the national lightings.

Also, on the Thursday there will be Jubilee festivities at the Rosliston Forestry Centre.

The centre will be holding a 'bring a picnic' gathering from 6.30pm with the lighting of the site's Jubilee Beacon later in the evening.

Eureka Park is hosting a beacon lighting ceremony. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

Rosliston's picnic and beacon lighting follow a commemorative cluster of four greengage trees being dedicated to the Queen by the Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council and Swadlincote's Town Crier. This dedication is part of the Council's ongoing Jubilee-themed free tree scheme.

A new Jubilee hedge and meadow have also been planted at the centre, the meadow has a giant 'ER70' motif cut into the grass, in honour of this weekend's occasion, which is awaiting flower.

On the build up to the Thursday, the centre will be running a special Jubilee Craft session on 31 May (2-4pm) and other outdoor Jubilee sessions for schools and community groups.

Away from the beacon lightings, Platinum Jubilee flags will be flying on South Derbyshire's civic buildings and in parks, alongside Union Jack flags lining the High Street in Swadlincote Town Centre.

In Swadlincote Town Centre, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacon Trail, an augmented reality trail, runs throughout the commemorations.

This unique experience allows people to interact with seven characters that represent a different decade in Her Majesty's 70-year reign, providing a information in the Queen's reign.

Numerous other events and activities will take place in South Derbyshire over the Jubilee weekend - from Hatton's Village Fete to Aston on Trent's Big Jubilee Celebration and Big Lunch. This is on top of the huge number of street parties and smaller community events planned.

Councillor Kevin Richards, South Derbyshire District Council's Leader, said: "The Queen's Platinum Jubilee is a very special moment for South Derbyshire and the whole country.

"We are proud that we have some quality events available, where all our communities can get together and celebrate the astounding achievement of Her Majesty the Queen's 70-year reign."

Further information about the above and many more Jubilee events planned can be found HERE.

To enquire about the Rosliston Forestry Centre activities please check out their Facebook page or email: [email protected].

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in South Derbyshire will not be stopping this weekend, as upcoming annual events like will the Festival of Leisure and Proms in the Park will include a celebratory Jubilee theme. Further information is available HERE.