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As Her Majesty The Queen begins her 70^th year on the throne, plans are underway for an exciting programme of events and activities as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in South Tyneside this summer.

South Tyneside will be joining communities across the globe to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II over the extended four-day bank holiday weekend running 2-5 June 2022.

To mark 70 years since Her Majesty's accession on 6 February 1952, the Union flag was flown over South Shields Town Hall. The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Pat Hay also sent a letter to Buckingham Palace.

The Mayor said: "Her Majesty The Queen has become the first British Monarch to observe a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth.

"To celebrate her historic reign, events and activities will be taking place throughout the year culminating in the extended UK bank holiday weekend in June when communities will come together to mark this momentous occasion.

"Here in South Tyneside, we're excited to be supporting the national celebrations with a programme of events and activities for our communities to enjoy as well as to host their own celebrations.

"Given the difficult times we have all experienced, it will be a real honour to hold events with a strong focus on bringing family, friends and communities together to mark this wonderful milestone in Her Majesty's remarkable reign."

In the run up to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee national celebrations, Â鶹ÊÓƵ will be tree planting as part of the wider national Queen's Green Canopy initiative.

Local schools, community groups and libraries will also be joining in the jubilee celebrations with a range of events, crafts and activities.

During the Platinum Jubilee celebratory weekend, South Tyneside will also join towns and cities across the country on 2 June to light more than 1,500 beacons - including a special beacon lighting ceremony at the Lawe Top in South Shields.

Local communities will also be encouraged and supported to get involved in Big Lunch events in their local parks on 5 June or hold their own street parties.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: "The Platinum Jubilee is an historic occasion for the nation and the Commonwealth. Like communities across the world, we will be celebrating Her Majesty's long reign and incredible dedication to public service.

"The Platinum Jubilee weekend is set to be a fitting tribute to The Queen and a wonderful opportunity for everyone in South Tyneside to come together and celebrate in style."

As well as the Platinum Jubilee Beacons lighting on 2 June, the Jubilee is also being marked nationally with the Queen's Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour). A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Paul's Cathedral on 3 June.

This will be followed by the Derby at Epson Downs and Platinum Party at the Palace on 4 June and the Big Jubilee Lunch and Platinum Jubilee Pageant will take place on 5 June.

The nationwide Platinum Pudding baking competition is also running with applications invited from UK residents, aged eight and over, to create the perfect dessert dedicated to Her Majesty.

More information about the Queen's Platinum Jubilee national celebrations is available at 

Further details on South Tyneside events, and how communities can get involved, will be made available in due course.