Cockermouth Heritage Group and the town’s Kirkgate Centre are preparing to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee with an exhibition of royal artefacts and images down the ages.
The heritage group’s platinum jubilee display will run in the Kirkgate’s Egremont Room from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5, open daily from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free and refreshments will be available.
On Friday, June 3 at 7pm, the Kirkgate is hosting a free concert, Music Through Her Reign, organised by the town council, and the heritage group’s exhibition will be open from 6pm for people attending the concert in the theatre upstairs.
The concert will feature songs from throughout the last 70 years, performed by Cockermouth musicians and singers of all ages. Entry is free but booking in advance is recommended as seating is limited.
Heritage group secretary Gloria Edwards said: “Our display touches on all royal events relating to our present Queen and other monarchs, including the Queen’s Coronation. We are also tracking the many changes to Cockermouth since the Coronation in 1953.
“Queen Victoria’s golden and diamond jubilees in 1887 and 1897 are also covered, with an illustrated talk on the many improvements that were made in the town, particularly as a result of the 1887 jubilee – not least three new bridges, an extension to Fairfield Girls’ School, and trees planted along Main Street, Station Street and in Market Place. It too will feature material on changes to the town since the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.”
The talk will be given by Eric Cass in the Kirkgate Theatre at 2pm on Thursday, June 2 (tickets £3).
