A WHOLE weekend of celebrations are in store in Royal Wootton Bassett for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

There will be singing, dancing and a Jubilee themed fancy dress competition in the High Street on June 4, as well as a garden party and a floral celebration in honour of the occasion.

Festivities, which are being organised by the town’s Diamond Jubilee committee, start with a Diamond Jubilee dance in St Bartholomew’s Church Hall on June 1.

Chris Wannell, chairman of the committee, said: “A Diamond Jubilee is a very special one and we want to make it memorable. We are encouraging all the residents in the High Street and shops to decorate them with Union Jacks and red white and blue to celebrate.

“I think we have got to make it special. It is a community event.”

The Diamond Jubilee dance on June 1, which will include a 16-piece swing band and a curry buffet from the Ganges in St Bartholomews Church Hall, will be £17.50 a ticket. Tickets are available from the Post Office.

There will be a festival in the High Street on June 4 from 2pm until 8pm with singing and dancing, which will be opened by the mayor, Mike Leighfield, and North Wiltshire MP, James Gray.

The festival, which will be free, will include barbecues, a hog roast, fancy dress competition, exhibitions, cake decorating, sketching, an exhibition of red, white and blue vehicles and the Stagecoach Royal Wootton Bassett bus, as well as performances from community groups.

A commemorative mug will be given to every primary school child, which will include the Royal Wootton Bassett crest and a picture of the Queen.

The town’s three churches are coming together to host a floral celebration of 60 glorious years, which will include displays of the Queen’s favourite places and events.

The Curriers Arms, The Ganges Restaurant, The Red Lion and The Woodshaw Pub will also be hosting celebrations.

And there will be a tea dance in the Memorial Hall on June 3.

Sue Hughes, vice chairwoman of the committee, said: “It is about everyone having a good time and I think really it is an opportunity to see everything that our community offers. We are so rich in community groups and clubs.”

The commemorative mugs will be available for sale too.

For more information check the events section on the Town Council website. – EMMA DUNN