Torridge District Council Unveil Bideford Jubilee Celebrations

Bideford Salutes Her Majesty The Queen

As the country prepares to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee on the 4th June, final plans are underway in Bideford for what looks set to be one of the area's largest parades and celebrations for this much loved and respected monarch.

The firing of cannons are generally only reserved for Royal occasions such as the Queen's Birthday but Bideford has been granted special permission to fire its own unique Salute to Her Majesty, as part of a ceremony scheduled to take place at Jubilee Square on the historic quayside.

Led by the Bideford Youth Pipe Band, the procession will leave Bridge Street car park at 3pm and make its way toward Jubilee Square where VIP's and dignitaries will be gathered for the firing of the historic cannon in honour of Her Majesty, the Queen.

Organisers have planned for a returned volley to be returned from Chudleigh Fort on the other side of the river, This will be repeated five times just after 3 pm (so please keep any nervous pets in doors).

Pyrotechnician, Steve Barnes, who's been tasked with the firing of both cannons said,

'It's going to be a real spectacle.., of course we won't be firing real cannonballs but the sound and smoke produced from the pyro's were planning on using inside each of the cannons will be a real spectacular to watch!'

The procession will then leave Jubilee Square and march toward Victoria Park where the Bideford Town Council have organised a spectacular afternoon of fun for the whole family.

Bideford Festival Committee Chairman Steve Clarke OBE said,

'Thanks to Bideford Town Council's generosity, it's going to be a fantastic event for everyone, with plenty to see and do for the whole family; traditional fun fair rides, side shows, children's races, even prizes for the best dressed Bideford King & Queen on The X Radio 1 Roadshow Stage. Bideford Town Council have managed to strike a deal with all the local food vendors who will be in attendance on the day, serving up hot & cold drinks and a selection of food at half their usual prices..!'

Bideford Town Band will get proceedings underway in the park playing a medley of popular favourites and of course the Queens National Anthem on the procession's arrival into the park.

Organisers are staging a number of traditional activities for the children, including 'sack racing', 'three-legged' races and the Bideford Novelty Race, with prizes and commemorative certificates for all who enter. Parents are advised that registration for each event is strictly on a first come, first served basis at the registration tent adjacent to The X Radio 1 Roadshow stage and each child will then be called upon in plenty of time for the start of their race.

Following the award ceremony and presentation of prizes for each of the finals, the roadshow stage will be turned over to the general public to take part in another round of 'Bideford's Got Talent'. Whatever your age, whatever your talent, if you think you've got what it takes to entertain, we're looking for you to enter the finals and a chance of being crowned Bideford's most talented performer or performers. To enter, simply register by 5.30pm on the day, let us know what your talent is, whether it be singing, magic, street dance, stand-up or even dog handling and finalists will be selected from all the entrants and allocated a 4 minute slot in which to impress the judges for a chance of walking off with the honours and the star prize!

For more information about the procession please contact Heather Blackburn at the Town Hall on Bideford 428818 or for the talent show, Steve Clarke on 476375 or steve@bideford.uk.com.

So make a date, join us for a right royal occasion, Bank Holiday Monday, 4th June, from 3pm onward as Bideford celebrates the Queens Diamond Jubilee.

NB. Please note that Victoria Park is an alcohol free zone – enforced by law

Article Source: http://www.torridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=7932