Plans to create a 'memorable' Platinum Jubilee weekend in Axminster

Axminster Town Council has said it will do all it can to support local organisations wishing to stage events to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June.

A four-day Bank Holiday weekend has been created to mark the Queen's 70 years on the throne, running from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5.

Axminster is hoping to make the weekend a memorable occasion and the town council has set aside £5,000 to support local organisations that will be staging events.

The council has also booked out Axminster Guildhall for the entire weekend, which will be available to use for community events and as an indoor venue in case of wet weather.

Speaking at last week's town council meeting, Ian Craig from Axminster Conservative Club said that the club had held community street parties to celebrate such royal occasions, and they hoped to do something similar this June.

The event would be staged in Silver Street and on the Minster Green, with tables available for residents to book for a small fee which would go towards entertainment on the day, with those attending bringing along their own food and drink.

Mr Craig said he believed this type of event would bring lots of people into the town, which would provide a boost for local businesses.

It is hoped that the transfer of ownership of the Jubilee Field in Axminster, from East Devon District Council to thew town council, would be complete in time for the Queen's jubilee, with plans for an official 'opening' to be held as part of the weekend's celebrations.

East Devon District Council has also offered 70 English oak tree saplings to be planted with commemorative plaques in towns and villages across the district.

It is hoped the commemorative oak trees, renowned for their longevity, strength, and unique position in the national landscape, will offer many other collective opportunities and serve as an important local 'memory jogger', recognising EDDC's carbon neutral and environment priorities.

Axminster Town Council discussed where they would like to plant their oak tree last week, with suggestions including the Minister Green due to its central location. However, it was felt this space was too small and the tree roots may cause some problems, so Jubilee Field was chosen as the preferred location.