Park to come alive with music as part of Platinum Jubilee concert
Families are being encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy a music extravaganza at a County Durham park as part of festivities to mark Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The Seventy Glorious Years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Freedom Concert will take place on Saturday 2 July at Wharton Park and will see the Band and Bugles of The Rifles and guests perform for watching crowds.
The event is being organised by ourselves and the Charter Trustees for the City of Durham. The day will see families able to take part in free Jubilee craft sessions at the park from 11am to 3pm before the music performance from 4pm to 6pm.
From 6pm to 7pm there will be a picnic in the park, with members of the public encouraged to bring their own food and drink to enjoy the celebrations.
BRASS returning
The event comes just a week before the popular BRASS festival makes its return to Durham. This year's festival promises to be bigger and better than ever when it takes place from Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 July, with Richard Hawley, Yolanda Brown and Field Music among the acts set to perform.
There will also be free concerts in schools, communities and care homes and a full programme of lively street bands.
Great occasion
Cllr Beaty Bainbridge, our Chair, said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome the Band and Bugles of The Rifles for this special event, carrying on the celebrations from the fantastic Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. It promises to be a great occasion as part of our extensive programme to mark 70 years since Her Majesty ascended the throne.
"Our hope is that we get nice weather on the day and plenty of people of all ages come along and join in the fun."
Major Séan O'Neill, director of music for the Band and Bugles of The Rifles, said: "The musicians and buglers of The Rifles are proud to be invited to perform at Seventy Glorious Years.
"Our regular, Reserve, Cadet and veteran musicians and buglers are looking forward to taking part in the event where they will be supported by local Reserve unit 8 Rifles."
On the day
Free parking will be available at County Hall. Drop-off and pick-up facilities will be available at Wharton Park for those who are blue badge holders.
Food and drink will be available to buy from Wharton Park café and the following food and drink outlets in the park between 11am and 7pm:
- Caps Off Brewery and Kitchen
- The Fizzy Tap
- Tribe Street Coffee
Afternoon teas will be served at Wharton Park café but these must booked in advance.
On Thursday 14 July, County Durham will officially welcome the Queen's Baton Relay ahead of this year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.