Communities in Thurrock can mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by joining in the fun with Thurrock Museum, Thameside Theatre and in selected Thurrock libraries.
From Saturday 28 May to Friday 24 June, Thurrock Museum is celebrating with an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia. Commemorative booklets, mugs, cups and plates for various jubilees, copies of special Thurrock Gazette supplements, and Coronation materials can be seen alongside photographs, including images from local residents. The exhibition will be held on the ground floor gallery of the Thameside Complex.
Cllr Qaisar Abbas, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the first British Monarch to celebrate a staggering 70 years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 at just 25 years-old.
"Events will be held up and down the country, in the Commonwealth and further afield to celebrate. Anyone visiting the museum on Wednesday 1 June will be able to get up close with some fascinating artefacts relating to the jubilees and Queen’s Coronation – an opportunity not to be missed!"
Fun Platinum Jubilee activities are being held for children and young people in selected libraries. Those aged 4 to 12 years-old can get creative and take part in free, drop-in craft sessions from Monday 30 May to Wednesday 1 June.
Professional storyteller John Kirk will visit Belhus and Aveley libraries on Wednesday 1 June for interactive story time sessions, suitable for ages 4 to 12 years-old. Grays Library will host special story time events for 4 to 7 years-old on Wednesday 1 June. Free story time sessions must be booked in advance.
The Thameside Theatre is hosting events including a dementia-friendly cinema showing of 'The Queen' on Wednesday 1 June, and Kids' Cinema Club autism-friendly showing of 'The Queen's Corgi' on Saturday 4 June. The Thurrock Courts Players will perform 'The Audience' from Thursday 9 June to Saturday 11 June.
Cllr Abbas added: "The Platinum Jubilee weekend from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June is a chance for us to come together and celebrate with our friends, family and communities, whether it's at private street parties, local or national events."
On Thursday 2 June, community forums have organised beacon lightings in Bulphan, Purfleet-on-Thames and at Coalhouse Fort park, and English Heritage will light a beacon at Tilbury Fort.
The T100 Festival, featuring a series of events, walks, talks and community celebrations along the Thames Estuary, will run from Thursday 2 June to Saturday 25 June. This year it includes the 'Thank You Dance' created by Kinetika – a section of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant that will be on The Mall on Sunday 5 June. It will return to Thurrock as part of the T100 finale on Saturday 25 June.