TOWN centre shoppers will be able to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style with a range of free events being held to mark the milestone.

The Parade shopping centre is hosting a wealth of family-friendly activities to get everyone in the mood for celebrating.

From May 26 until June 5, shoppers can take part in the Everyone’s A Windsor treasure hunt to win a miniature set of the Crown Jewels – complete with glittering crowns and the obligatory orbs and sceptres.

On the first day of the competition, a Beefeater will be in the centre to announce the start of the hunt and meet any shoppers taking part from noon.

To win, shoppers must collect portraits of four different Royals from stores in The Parade and then enter their portrait card in Thorntons to receive a Jubilee pen, which will enter them into the draw to win the jewels. Participating stores include Ryman, Bhs, Greggs, Thorntons and Debenhams.

For more intrepid adventurers, on Tuesday, June 5, Epico The Dragon – a five metre, smoke-breathing animatronic beast – will be flying into The Parade.

With 30-minute shows at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, a plucky youngster from the audience will be tasked with the perilous journey to save Sir Aurelious Jones from certain death in Epico’s lair.

Also, from Thursday, May 31, until Saturday, June 2, Bhs will be celebrating the first anniversary of its new store by offering buy one get one half-price deals throughout the store.

The Bhs Café will also be offering samples for shoppers to try.

Away from the town centre, the date has now also passed for people to apply to hold a street party to mark the day.

Swindon Council has approved 21 applications for street closures, for which there is no charge, over the extended bank holiday weekend between Saturday, June 2, and Tuesday, June 5.

Two of the biggest planned events will be held in Colbert Park, Abbey Meads and The Street, Liddington – where more than 150 people are expected to turn out.

For further information on the town centre events, visit www.theparadeswindon. co.uk or www.facebook.com/theparade