FROM today (Saturday, 28 May) and throuigh June, libraries across Thurrock will be commemorating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Communities in the borough can mark the Jubilee by joining in the fun with Thurrock Museum, Thameside Theatre and in selected Thurrock libraries.

From Saturday, 28 May to Friday, 24 June, Thurrock Museum is celebrating with an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia. Commemorative booklets, mugs, cups and plates for various jubilees, copies of special Thurrock Gazette supplements, and Coronation materials can be seen alongside photographs, including images from local residents. The exhibition will be held on the ground floor gallery of the Thameside Complex.

Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the first British Monarch to celebrate a staggering 70 years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 at just 25 years old.

"Events will be held up and down the country, in the Commonwealth and further afield to celebrate. Anyone visiting the museum on Wednesday, 1 June will be able to get up close with some fascinating artefacts relating to the jubilees and Queen's Coronation – an opportunity not to be missed!"

Fun Platinum Jubilee activities are being held for children and young people in selected libraries. Those aged four to 12 years can get creative and take part in free, drop-in craft sessions from Monday, 30 May to Wednesday, 1 June.

Professional storyteller John Kirk will visit Belhus and Aveley libraries on Wednesday, 1 June for two interactive story time sessions, suitable for ages four to 12. Grays Library will host special story time events for four- to seven-year-olds on Wednesday 1 June. Free story time sessions should be booked in advance.

The Thameside Theatre, which was once visited by the Queen (See Thurrock Nub News story here: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/when-the-queen-came-to-tea-ponies-flew-and-mike-got-his-old-suit-out-50-years-of-golden-memories-at-the-thameside-theatre) is hosting events including a Dementia Friendly cinema showing of 'The Queen' on Wednesday, 1 June and Kids Cinema Club autism-friendly showing of 'The Queen's Corgi' on Saturday, 4 June. The Thurrock Courts Players will perform 'The Audience' from Thursday, 9 to Saturday 11 June.

Cllr Abbas added: "The Platinum Jubilee weekend from Thursday 2 to Sunday, 5 June is a chance for us to come together and celebrate with our friends, family and communities, whether it's at private street parties, local or national events."

On Thursday, 2 June, community forums have organised beacon lightings in Bulphan, Purfleet-on-Thames and at Coalhouse Fort park, and English Heritage will light a beacon at Tilbury Fort. The T100 Festival featuring a series of events, walks, talks and community celebrations along the Thames Estuary will run from Thursday, 2 to Saturday, 25 June. This year it includes the Thank You Dance created by Kinetika – a section of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant that will be on The Mall on Sunday 5 June, which will return to Thurrock as part of the T100 finale on Saturday, 25 June.

Find out more at the council's Platinum Jubilee webpage or at the government's Platinum Jubilee events website.