THE lighting of a beacon on Oxford’s Castle Mound will form the centrepiece of Oxford’s celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
While town councils around the county have laid on programmes of family entertainment to mark the occasion, Oxford City Council has taken what appears to be a low-key approach with no large Jubilee events, festivals or public concerts.
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Events to take place include a ‘spot the corgi’ competition at Oxford Covered Market and pavement art in Ridgefield Road, East Oxford. The art heralds future tree-panting along the road as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project which is set to transform it into a ‘Jubilee Avenue’.
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On Saturday, a Lord Lieutenant’s parade will take place through the city, with a civic procession from Oxford Town Hall to Christ Church Cathedral for a Service of Celebration at 2pm. The procession will be led by bagpipe player Will Bissett.
Civic leaders from around the county will light the beacon – one of 3,000 – tonight at 9.45pm, with the city represented by the Lord Mayor of Oxford, James Fry. A bugler will sound a call at 9.40pm, followed by the lighting of the beacon by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Brian Buchan.
Mr Buchan, said: “The lighting of Jubilee beacons is one of the official events of the Platinum Jubilee, providing an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth, to come together to celebrate this historic milestone.”
Mr Fry, said: “The lighting of the beacon signals the start of the weekend’s jubilee celebrations in the city and beyond. It reminds us of the ancient custom of lighting beacons to spread news throughout the country. Today, it is also a fitting tribute to the light Her Majesty has given the nation during its darkest times”.
On the procession, he added: “This is my first ceremonial duty as Lord Mayor, and I couldn’t be prouder to have the opportunity to walk through the beautiful city I represent in my full regalia. I hope people come out to wish us well and join us in the special celebration of thanksgiving for her Majesty’s life and historic reign”.
The Mayor will also be celebrating at some of the cities many street parties, travelling in his chain, by bicycle.
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The Chair of Oxfordshire County Council, Councillor Susanna Pressel, said: “It’s awe-inspiring to think that at the same moment beacons are being lit up and down the land and even overseas. We are all joining together in this dramatic launch of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.”
Additional events include picnics, a disco at Oxford Stadium, a special North Parade market and club events.
However, some in the city expressed disappointment at the lack of proper celebrations like those in Witney, Abingdon and Wantage. Chaka Artwell from Barton, said: “Many people suspect the absence of celebrations in Oxford is entirely due to the political character of the councils... their tardiness with honouring Her Majesty’s Platinum celebration is not welcomed by many Oxford voters.”
Read more from this author
This story was written by Rebecca Whittaker, she joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Rebecca covers education and news in Abingdon and Wantage.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Rebecca.Whittaker@newquest.co.uk or calling 07824524333
Follow her on Twitter @RebecWhitt
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