Celebrations are continuing across the borough this weekend to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Last night (Thursday), a service of thanksgiving took place in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh to mark 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign.
Senior clergy from churches in the Armagh area joined civic and political representatives, along with members of the public.
A beacon was lit in the cathedral grounds following the service.
The Dean of Armagh, the Very Rev Shane Forster, said: The Hill of Armagh is the site of St Patrick’s ‘great stone church’ and the burial place of a High King.
“It is therefore an appropriate location for a service to give thanks for the 70 years of public service given by Queen Elizabeth II.”
The Right Rev Lord Eames, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Conor Murphy MLA, Eoin Tennyson MLA, Jonathan Buckley MLA, chief executive of ABC Council Roger Wilson, and William Irwin, MLA.
The ceremonial lighting of beacons took place across the UK and Commonwealth countries and, locally, beacons were also lit at Banbridge Civic Centre and South Lake Leisure Centre, Craigavon.
On Saturday, a Seven Decades Pageant will take place at Brownlow House, Lurgan, from 4-6.30pm.
The family fun day will encompass a range of activities, such as amusements, creative arts workshops and a living costume display.
There will also be a performance from Queen tribute band Flash Harry. The event is free but a ticket is required.
Councillor Sam Nicholson, Councillor Paul Berry, Councillor Kyle Savage, chief executive of ABC Council Roger Wilson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs Jill Armstrong, Alderman Jim Speers, and Alderman Gareth Wilson.
In the evening, from 8pm-10:30pm, neighbouring Lurgan Park will also be the venue for a Platinum Party .
Visitors are invited to bring a picnic and watch the Platinum Party live from Buckingham Palace on a large LED screen. Hot food, tea and coffee will be on offer, with a firework display to follow.
The event is free but a ticket is required, with gates opening at 6.30pm.
Those hoping to attend the events on Saturday can register for free tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/armagh-banbridge-and-craigavon-borough-council-jubilee-weekend-tickets-339212201827?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
All events are family-friendly and alcohol-free. Those who have access requirements are asked to contact hello@maywe.co.uk.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant Noel Lamb lights the Banbridge beacon watched by Lord Mayor, Alderman Glenn Barr
Meanwhile, today (Friday), a number of community events and street parties are taking place.
In Portadown, the YMCA are holding a family street party in the grounds of Millington Primary School from 12pm-3pm.
It will feature inflatables, Lambeg drums, vintage cars, cultural music, birds of prey and more.
The youth group is also running a ‘Right Royal Bake Off’ where participants are challenged to bake the best biscuit, cupcake and cake, each with a royal theme.
Judging is set to take place in the school car park at 12.30pm where the judges will be Mrs Gladys McCullough and Councillor Darryn Causby.
A Jubilee celebration day will also take place at Hamiltonsbawn Orange Hall, starting at 2pm, with bouncy castles, hot food, local bands and a Jubilee cake competition.
And at Thomas Street Methodist Church in Portadown, a fun day will include children’s crafts, bouncy castles, tea, scones and a family barbecue from 3pm-5pm.
On Sunday, Mullavilly Parish Church is celebrating with a thanksgiving service at 11am followed by a street party with bouncy castles, food, a silver band and more.
A warm welcome is extended to the whole community.
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