Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen with a royal line up of events to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2-5 June.
Thousands came out to celebrate this momentous occasion which we are unlikely to see again.
Our line up began on Thursday 2 June with beacon lightings across the seven DEA areas in our Borough, representing the seven decades of devotion from the Queen.
On Friday 3 June our communities came together with street parties and celebrations where young and old celebrated in style.
On Saturday 4 June The Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden at the Majestic Antrim Castle Gardens was officially opened by the Lord-Lieutenant for County Antrim Mr David McCorkell KStJ and The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Stephen Ross. Guests basked in the sunshine at a special garden party to celebrate this unique garden.
The Garden ‘Fit for a Queen’ was created by Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin and specially commissioned as part of the Council’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. This garden, the only one of its kind in the UK has ‘Dancing Trees for the Jubilee’ where the trees dance every 15 minutes, will be a lasting legacy to Her Majesty the Queen.
The glorious sunshine enhanced the jubilant atmosphere at our two Platinum Parties at Antrim Castle Gardens and Loughshore Park Jordanstown where thousands descended for a royal celebration where local comedians Shane Todd and Micky Bartlett and Musicians James Huish and Rwanda Shaw wowed the crowds before linking live to Buckingham Place for their star studded event. A fantastic Firework finale concluded these two great events.
Our Big Thank you Lunches across the Borough were a great hit as families and friends came together with their picnics at one of our great open spaces and parks to say ‘Thank You’ to the Queen for her seventy years’ service. There was live music, street theatre and plenty of laughter.
Those at Antrim Loughshore Park had an added bonus yesterday as Minister of State for Northern Ireland The Right Honourable Mr Conor Burns MP joined in the celebrations. Commenting on the Council’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations he said:
“I am delighted to be here at the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens and Loughshore Park to celebrate Her Majesty’s The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Reaching 70 years of unwavering service is a truly remarkable achievement and it is only appropriate that communities should come together in such a majestic setting to mark this milestone in history.
“I want to congratulate the Council for organising such a rich programme of events, allowing people of all ages to get involved in the celebrations over the Jubilee weekend.”
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Stephen Ross said:
“It was a pleasure to join in so many of the Jubilee celebrations with people from across the Borough and beyond.
“I am especially pleased that those in attendance at Antrim today received a surprise treat thanks to the arrival of the Rt Hon Conor Burns. This Ministerial visit was an additional highlight on top of what was already a fantastic weekend of events.”
