Town plans to celebrate Queen's90th birthday in sparkling style

A working group co-ordinated by town and county councillor Bill Aron has put together a packed programme over three days from Friday, June 10, until Sunday, June 12.

It will feature a grand parade through the town centre.

And, to help prepare for the celebrations, volunteers are being asked to take part in a major clean-up of the town planned for March 5.

It will be part of the national “Clean For The Queen” programme which is designed to rally volunteers to tidy up their neighbourhoods.

The Horncastle clean-up is being organised by the town council and a number of key areas have been identified.

There will be a general litter pick involving the Walkers for Welcome Group.

Town councillor and business owner Jonathan Ferrari is planning to re-paint a number of battered litter bins and bollards.

Other town councillors and organisations will take part but more organisers are needed.

Town mayor Angela Birchall said: “We live in a wonderful town and it would be marvellous if it was seen at its best for the Queen’s birthday weekend.

“We’d love as many volunteers as possible to come forward. Everyone can play a part.”

As for the Queen’s birthday celebrations, the planned events will actually start on Thursday, April 21.

The Dymoke family have agreed to host the lighting of a birthday beacon at St Benedict’s Church Field in Scrivlesby.

The beacon will be lit at 8pm and there will be fireworks, hotdogs and a licensed bar. Gates will open at 5pm and admission is £5 per car.

On the weekend of the Queen’s official birthday, Friday evening, June 10, will feature a concert by the Banovallum Brass Band at Stanhope Hall.

On Saturday, June 11, there will be a parade of floats through the town centre.

It will leave Banovallum School at 10.30am and make its way to Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, where judging will take place.

A variety of events – including stalls and laser tag – have been arranged for the QEGS’ sports field in the afternoon.

On the same evening, there will be a dinner dance at the Admiral Rodney Hotel.

Sunday will feature a big British breakfast at Stanhope Hall from 9am to 11am.

A children’s tea party has also been planned for 3pm to 5pm, complete with an entertainer, face painting and party treats.

Organisers hope to provide a commemorative lapel badge to everyone who attends the events – as well as a 90th Trophy, for groups entering the parade.

Coun Aron stressed other events could be added and appealed for anyone with ideas to come forward.

He added: “We want everyone to share in these exciting celebrations .

Organisers have received pledges for funding – including one from the town council – but are still keen to attract more support.

Coun Aron said: “We are still looking for help.

“The town council has opened the support fund with a generous donation to help pay for the activities.

“They will oversee the fund but there is a form available where people can pledge their support.

“All offers of help will be much appreciated.”

Organisers are especially delighted the town’s two senior schools have joined in the planning for the celebrations.

Town councillors will be keen to assess the level of support – both in the build-up and on the celebration days themselves.

The celebrations come after criticism of a lack of community-based events in a recent town survey – and the decision to axe the summer market because of a lack of interest.

As for the clean-up, it follows complaints from one resident who told the News last week he had collected a sackful of rubbish from the banks of the River Bain near to Coronation Walk.

He claimed no-one appeared to be bothered about the amount of litter in public areas which he said was ‘ruining the town’.

The advice from the town council is for anyone who spots large amounts of rubbish to contact East Lindsey District Council.

l Details about the 90th birthday celebrations – including entry and sponsor forms – are available from the town council offices or from Coun Aron.