LYDIARD Park will host big Jubilee celebrations to mark 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

The Jubilee Beacon lighting ceremony will be at 9.30pm on Thursday, where visitors can watch as Swindon joins many other towns and cities around the country in lighting beacons to mark this historic milestone.

The free event itself starts at 7.30pm, with a bell-ringing performance at St Mary’s Church and a service attended by Mayor Abdul Amin, Mayoress Subena Akhtar, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland and Deputy Lieutenant for Wiltshire Clare Garrett.

Swindon Borough Council leader Coun David Renard said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that everyone should enjoy.

“It is such a tremendous milestone that our Queen has been on the throne for 70 years and it is something that we should all celebrate.

“If people don’t get to make it to either Lydiard event, I hope they celebrate the momentous occasion however they can.”

The second free event will be a Pimms in the Park party on Friday, with live music, fairground rides, inflatable assault courses, food and drink stalls, dinosaurs, and bouncy castles as well as a chance to see classic cars and cars from the movies.

A flyover from the Royal Air Force above Lydiard Park on Sunday will bring the Jubilee celebrations to a close.

The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Rose Troughton said: “The Platinum Jubilee weekend is nearly here!

“It is going to be wonderful chance for everyone in Swindon to join in a host of celebrations marking Her Majesty The Queen's 70 years on the throne.

“In between our local events there will be wonderful TV. We can watch the Trooping the Colour, the Red Arrows and a balcony appearance, a service at St Paul's Cathedral, The Platinum Party at the Palace, and The Derby at Epsom, culminating in The Platinum Jubilee Pageant down the Mall on Sunday afternoon.

“Here at home, even more is going on. Starting on Thursday, lots of beacons all over the county are being lit. Do try and get to a spot where you can see one.

“My thanks to everyone who has helped organise what is going to be a very special and busy weekend, and please join in as much as you can. I hope you will join me in sending Her Majesty every possible good wish for her historic Platinum Jubilee.”

Visit www.lydiardpark.org.uk/event/pims-in-the-park/