The packed programme of events that is taking place in Stafford’s Victoria Park to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee has been revealed.

The four-day long bank holiday weekend kicks off on Thursday 2 June and gets underway with the ‘Stafford in the World’ event throughout the day and the historic lighting of the Queen’s Beacon at around 9.45pm. 

Friday (3rd) will see the huge party in the town’s Market Square with music, dancing, stalls, food and drink. A ticketed event of acoustic music and barbecue at Albert’s Café in Victoria Park takes place in the evening.

There will be live music all day from the bandstand in the park from 11am on Saturday (4th) as well as fairground rides and face painting for children.

And the weekend culminates with ‘Family Party in the Park’ with loads of free entertainment on Sunday (5th) - including circus acts, comedy magic shows, dancing, musical theatre, fairground rides and the Stafford Knot Rotary Club Duck Race in the River Sow. 

“It is a brilliant catalogue of activities that I am sure will have something for everyone and if you are not at a street party during this long weekend then please come along and help us celebrate the amazing 70 years that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, has been on the throne,” said Carolyn Trowbridge, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council.

The local authority revealed that they had received a record number of applications from residents after waiving the administration fee to have roads closed for street parties across the borough.

The events in the park are a collaboration between The Great British Experience Company (TGBEC), which runs Alberts Café, and the borough council. You can find the full programme at Victoria Park Events | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk) with more details of events at the café at Jubilee | Alberts Cafe

And there is more about the ‘Party in the Square’ from Jubilee in Stafford | Facebook 

Victoria Park is over 100 years old and has held a ‘green flag’ as one of the best open spaces in the country since 2007. It underwent a £2.5 million Heritage Lottery Fund revamp in 2020 with key landmarks restored such as the bandstand and Mottram Shelter, and new features delivered including Albert’s café and aviaries.

Councillor Trowbridge continued: “Our own ‘royal’ park is the perfect setting for this unique occasion and I know there has been so much work going on in the background to make this a successful and memorable four days.

“I’d urge everyone to keep checking the website and our social media channels for up to date information about what is going on so you don’t miss out.”

Craig Wilkinson, from TGBEC, said: “70 years of a reigning monarch is truly remarkable. A celebration we may never see again so I hope everyone is celebrating for this once in a lifetime event wherever they may be - and where better than in Victoria Park, Stafford.” 

Press Release No 5895