A BIG party is being planned in Old Town for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Live music, stiltwalkers and beloved cartoon characters will fill Wood Street on Sunday June 5 from 12pm to 5pm.

The Old Town Business Association has been busy organising the event following the launch of the Friends of Old Town loyalty card earlier this year. 

The street party will be similar to the popular Sausage and Ale Trail - which will be back in September - with pubs and restaurants setting up stalls for guests to buy food and drink, as well as performances from local talent and family-friendly entertainment.

The music will feature iconic and classic songs from across Queen Elizabeth II's reign,from the 1950s to the present day.

Event organiser Evie Em-Jay said: “We are so happy to be back to running our street events, and for the first one to be such an historic occasion is very exciting.”

OTBA vice chairman Kris Talikowski said: "The support from the community with the Friends of Old town card has been incredible. We have over 800 cards now in circulation and it has enabled us to put on another big event in our calendar for 2022.

"We’re sure the community will enjoy supporting this brand new event too.”

The business association is forming a partnership with the South Swindon Parish Council to help promote all the events happening in the area.

Coun Neil Hopkins said: "We are delighted to be partnering with OTBA on their series of events, starting with their Queen’s Jubilee Party.

"We look forward to developing a long-term relationship with them to benefit both their events and the parish council events in the Town Gardens, Queen’s Park and GWR Park.

"For those living around Queen’s Park, the parish council is hosting a Big Jubilee Lunch in the park on the same day (June 5) from 11am until 2pm and we encourage residents to join the celebrations throughout the town centre and Old Town in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee."

To find out more about the Wood Street event visit the Friends of Old Town Facebook page www.facebook.com/friendsofoldtown

This is one of many events being held over the first weekend of June to celebrate the 70th year of the Queen's reign.

If you're organising one, please get in touch at newsdesk@swindonadvertiser.co.uk or 01793 501734.