Residents of Kempsey are preparing for a weekend of celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Simon Bott, chairman of the Kempsey Jubilee Celebration Team, said: “The Kempsey Jubilee Celebration Team has worked very hard indeed communicating with village residents about what is coming up over the Platinum Jubilee Weekend.”

The committee has placed large banners around the village, distributed fliers, contacted local businesses to raise sponsorship, made personal visits to care and residential homes to reach out to those who are elderly or less able and more.

Mr Bott added: “The use of Plovers Rise Playing Field would not have been possible at all if it weren't for the generous sacrifice of Kempsey Cricket Club giving up a home fixture to make the field available.

“We have striven to act as an umbrella organisation to embrace the events planned by different groups within Kempsey.

“Particularly The Parish Hall which has a big weekend of open house and a Barn Dance, and St. Mary's Church who will be showing a colour film of the 1953 Coronation along with traditional refreshments.

“Several streets are organising Street Parties, mostly on Sunday 5th. June.

“There will be a parade of horses and carriages starting from Green Street at 11.00 am on Friday June, 3.

"We hope residents at The Lawns will be able to see the carriages go past between 11.30 and 12.30 pm.

“None of it would be possible if it weren't for the efforts of a fantastic, dedicated team, and the tangible support of Kempsey folk and local businesses.

“One member of our team is so dedicated, she was chasing up sponsorship all the way from Australia while out there on a family visit.

“We are all looking forward to Ottilie Wallace playing her violin.

“Ottilie is only eleven years but has been busking since she was seven.

“We seek every opportunity to say thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and supporters.”

David Harrison added: “So far, we’re doing really well.

“We circulated fliers to all of the new houses around two months ago to give notice of what we’re doing.

“I’m quite looking forward to it.”

He added that there had been significant demand for such an event after Kempsey’s silver Jubilee celebrations was such a  success.