STAFFORD is getting in the party mood with residents planning to turn the borough red, white and blue for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
The borough council has seen a rush of enquiries with some 15 communities already wanting to hold street parties.
In Church Eaton jubilee committee member John Edwards said: "We have been holding a village festival for some time, but this year we decided that instead we would hold a street party to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. The main difference is that events will happen over two days, and for one day we want to close the road so we can put tables there."
On May 30 some 60 residents aged over 60 will join 60 pupils from several schools for an afternoon of events at Walton High School.
They will enjoy pre-dinner drinks, music from the 1950s, a coronation meal and a screening of the coronation DVD. There will also be singing, dancing and a jubilee quiz. A celebration mug will be given to each partygoer at the end of the event as a reminder of the evening.
Hixon is also gearing up for celebration with festivities on Monday, June 4.
The day kicks off at 2pm when a special guest - yet to be announced - officially opens proceedings by cutting the ribbon to a traditional village fete. A central show area will host dance performances and
children's sports and games. Live music will form the backdrop to an open invita- tion for everyone to enjoy a picnic in the park at 4.30pm. Teas and cakes will be available or revellers can bring their own.
As the afternoon turns into evening there will be songs from the musicals fol- lowed by bands performing live music.
At 10pm the Hixon Millennium Green beacon will be lit and the day concludes at 11.30pm with a firework display.
Admission is free. Any profits from stalls will go towards refurbishing the
Hixon Millennium Green children's playground. Ahead of the big day there is a fund-raising walking treasure hunt around Hixon this Sunday.
Prizes will be awarded to the most eagled-eyed participants. The walk begins from Hixon Memorial Hall at 1.30pm and will take about one and a half hours. Call Sue Grimes on 01889 270983.
The deadline to request a road closure in Stafford Borough is Monday. Call Cathy Reid on 01785 619 000 or email legalservices@staffordbc.gov.uk.
