LAUNCESTON Town Square Events is gearing up for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, which will see the town square and nearby streets decked out for a big street party.

Tables have sold out for the celebration on Sunday, June 12, with 280 people already set to attend, but organisers stress everyone is welcome to enjoy the atmosphere of the day, which will run from 11.30am to 4.30pm.

There will be music, food and entertainment for all ages, and a fancy dress competition for youngsters with three age categories and prizes up for grabs. The best King or Queen in the following age categories will win a prize — ages three to eight; eight to 12 and 12 to 16. Judging of fancy dress will take place at 3pm.

The Lions Club will be there on the day with their ‘win a teddy’ competition, and Mr Showers children’s entertainer will be on hand from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

Live music on the day will be provided by MoodSwing and Launceston Town Band. MoodSwing will be performing from 11.30am and at 1.15pm, and the town band at 2.15pm and the finale from 3.45pm.

There will also be a performance on the day from Oksigen Theatre at 12.30pm.

Local businesses will also be competing to win the certificate for ‘best dressed shop window’, with businesses encouraged to get creative with their shop windows so they are decorated for the week leading up to the street party. The first, second and third prize certificates for the best dressed windows will be awarded in the afternoon of June 12.

By invitation only, 16 people who are also celebrating their 90th birthdays along with the Queen this year, will enjoy an afternoon tea with their guests at the town hall on the day, catered by St Stephens by Launceston WI. They each received a personal invitation, and also a birthday card from the town’s mayor and mayoress when they celebrate their birthdays.

The event will go ahead whatever the weather, and celebrations will be held in Launceston Town Hall in the event of bad weather.

Chairman of Launceston Town Square Events, Anita White, said she booked the town hall and square last year well in advance, and came up with the idea of a street party to celebrate the Queen’s special birthday.

Launceston Town Square Events expressed its thanks to the town’s Lions Club, Rotary Club, and town council for their support, and to the local businesses, including Tesco — shops are reminded to put up their posters to advertise the community event.

Organisers have a reserve list for anyone who is interested in booking any tables that are cancelled ahead of the event, or people are welcome to bring their own tables and chairs, should they wish to. Everyone is welcome to just come along on the day.

For more information, contact Anita on 01566 773479 or Val on 01566 779227, or search ‘Launceston Celebrates the Queen’s 90th Birthday’ on Facebook.

The Woburn Residents’ Association, in Launceston, will be celebrating the Queen’s 90th Birthday on Saturday, June 11, with a barbecue on the Green.

Starting at 6pm, those who wish to attend are welcome to bring their own celebratory drinks. Teas, coffees and soft drinks will be available to buy at the event and there is also a chance to win a prize in the raffle.

St Martin’s Church in Lewannick will host a community flower festival in commendation of the Queen’s 90th birthday.

From Saturday, June 4 to Monday, June 6, the church will be open daily from 10am to 5pm with refreshments available.

The Knit and Natter group have been knitting this time to make the red, white and blue bunting to decorate the church.

In Bude, Budehaven Community School will be the venue for ‘Bude’s Big Picnic’ on Sunday, June 12, celebrating the Queen’s birthday and raising money for four local families suffering from illness.

Taking place in conjunction with the Queen’s official 90th birthday celebrations, there will be things to do and see for all ages — entry is £2 and will include free low impact Zumba, yoga with Rosie Lewis for all the family and children’s entertainment.

There is also an optional dress code of red, white and blue, with a prize for the ‘best dressed’.

Penstowe Manor has lent its mascot George the Dragon, who will be taking part in a Zumba dance!

Stratton School has kindly lent its stalls, such as a hook a duck, and Budehaven Nursery will be open with activities for pre-school children.

There will also be facepainting, glitter tattoos and henna tattoos.

North Devon Gymnastics will be putting on a display, and it is hoped they will be able to run workshops during the day as well. Coaches from Bude Football Club will be on hand on the Astroturf for penalty shootouts.

Lansdown Dairy will be selling sweets and drinks, with profits also benefitting the four local families suffering from illness. There will be a cake stall, and Lansdown Dairy in Bude is accepting donations for this.

Commentating throughout the day will be local legend Pete ‘Vicko’ Vickery, who will be carrying out ‘Vicko’s victory presentation’ thanks to the support of ‘Signs of the Times’ in Bude with the medals. The day will see a cycling and rowing challenge.

There will be a raffle, and donations of prizes for this would also be welcome.

The four families the event is supporting include the families of Talan Penny, Corey Alway and Teej Mckinley.

The gates for the event open at 11.30am with activities kicking off around noon, and the day will finish at 4pm.

There is free entry for under 1s and visitors are encouraged to bring their own savoury picnics.

Organiser Lisa Wood expressed her thanks to everyone for their support, including the local fitness instructors who will be helping out on the day and Budehaven leisure for allowing use of the grounds.

The Chilsworthy and Holsworthy Hamlets will be holding a Queen’s 90th Birthday Lunch, in Chilsworthy Village Hall on Sunday, June 12, at 1.15pm.

The lunch will consist of salads with new potatoes, dessert, teas and coffees. There will also be a bar open for other drinks.Tickets cost £5 per adult, £3 per child — up to and including age 11 years.

Tickets must be pre-booked for this event. To attend ring P Rutson on 01409 253063 or M Heard on 01409 253339.

Names can also be put down at Chilsworthy Post Office during normal opening hours, 9.30am to 11.30am, Monday to Friday, or on the notice board in Chilsworthy Chapel.

At St Adwen’s Church, Advent, a patron’s lunch street party will be held on?Sunday, June 12 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

In Delabole, on June 9, a children’s tea party will be held. On June 10, an over 60s celebration meal will be held at the Methodist Church, and on June 12, a village service will be held at St John’s Church at 10.30am.

l Please email any reports and photographs from your celebrations to mark the occasion to [email protected]