Eight organisations have been awarded a share of £42,000 to help celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
The cash comes from Arts Council England’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund and is being distributed by Cumbria Community Foundation.
The groups which have been awarded the cash are:
South Whitehaven Youth Partnership
Young people from the South Whitehaven Youth Partnership will work with community members, the local church and Rosehill Theatre to create a free cultural festival, which will bring the communities of Kells, Woodhouse and Greenbank together on Thursday June 2.
Jacqueline Cardy, development worker, said: “I am really looking forward to the jubilee celebration event, young people are working hard to ensure it offers a variety of fun activities. Our partnership with Rosehill Theatre will offer cultural experience right on the doorstep for those living in Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank and we will be asking local groups to come along and showcase their talents.”
Ewanrigg Local Trust, Maryport
In Maryport, Ewanrigg’s Jubilation Celebration is a free family fun day where local residents can come together and celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee Year.
Ragged Edge Productions are working with local community groups to develop an interactive audio story trail which will be available for local residents to enjoy on the day.
Other free activities include giant inflatables, children’s activities, and a cream tea. The event takes place on the field next to Ewanrigg Community Centre on Wednesday June 1 from 1pm to 5pm. The event is delivered by Ewanrigg & Netherton Tenants & Residents’ Association, Ewanrigg Local Trust and Home Group.
Sharon Barnes, chair of Ewanrigg Local Trust and ENTRA, said: “Our band of willing volunteers are already putting the flags out and encouraging everyone to join in and celebrate the Queen’s jubilee.
“We’ll be running activity sessions in the run up to the big day. The funding will enable us to provide activities for free, which means everyone has the chance to participate. We have all really missed being able to meet socially during lockdown and this is a fantastic opportunity for us all to get out of our houses and enjoy an outdoor day of fun – together!”
Stanwix Community Association, Carlisle
Stanwix Community Association in Carlisle is running a series of community workshops to create artwork that will be displayed as an outside gallery within Stanwix to celebrate the Queens Platinum jubilee.
Pamela McCall, booking manager at Stanwix Community Association, said: ‘We are working with a local artist to create exciting artwork with local children and families in the run-up to the jubilee that will be exhibited within our local community. We are really looking forward to getting started on this exciting project to celebrate this historic occasion.”
Kirkby Lonsdale & Lune Valley CIC
Kirkby Lonsdale & Lune Valley CIC is planning a full weekend of events between Thursday June 2 and Sunday June 5.
There will be music and dance performances in Market Square, including a new dance commission, free dance workshops at St Mary’s Church and a showing of Ludus Dance’s Miss Baines for members of the local charity Community Cupboard.
Jayne Davies, project manager and freelance creative practitioner said: “Queen Elizabeth II has witnessed innumerable changes including dramatic shifts in music and dance styles; from 50s rock and roll, through 70s disco all the way to today’s TikTok dance challenges. We want to celebrate every decade of her reign and give our community a chance to come together and create. After two years of lockdown, it’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and celebrate, Dancing Through The Decades has something for everyone.”
Barrow organisations
CANDOFM community radio station, Barrow BID and Barra Culture, and local business will be hosting the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations in Barrow town centre on Saturday June 4.
Jonny Williams, manager of the station, said: “A live stage with tribute and local performers representing popular music from all the decades of the Queen’s reign will provide a musical backdrop alongside choirs, a magician, caricaturist and street entertainers. There will also be lots of opportunities to gets hands on with creative activities such as a pop-up choir, drumming workshops, face painting, tie-dye activity, and much more.”
Darren Henley, chief executive at Arts Council England, said “The Let’s Create Jubilee Fund is a wonderful example of our ambition to give everyone the opportunity to participate in and experience the arts, culture and creativity – made possible thanks to National Lottery players.”
Andy Beeforth, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Queen’s platinum jubilee is a unique opportunity for people to get together and celebrate in their communities. We are proud to have connected Arts Council England with local organisations whose imaginative and exciting projects and collaborations with professional artists will bring communities together to enjoy marking this milestone moment in our history.”
