FINAL preparations are underway to mark the Queen’s jubilee in Harwich and the surrounding areas.

Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee after 70 years of service.

The Harwich Festival has planned a day of free entertainment on June 5, after the town council voted to pledge £15,000 to mark the event.

Town festivities will be focused on Cliff Park from 11am to 9.30pm along with use of the Park Pavilion from 11am to 6pm.

A spokesman for the Harwich Festival said: “ One of the main attractions will be an exhibition of photographs taken locally over the last 70 years.

“Over the course of the day there’ll be plenty to see and do with our flower show, social history exhibition, stalls and food and drink outlets but one thing we couldn’t not have on such an occasion is some fantastic live music!

“At the bandstand we have a great line up including sets from Harwich Sing Tendring Voices, The Dovercourt Ukulele Group, Colour and Shape and The Hit List.”

The Harwich Haven Authority will also be staging the reading of the Proclamation on Ha'penny Pier on June 2 between 12pm and 4pm.

There will be live music, art workshops for children and a public artwork as a legacy for the town. 

The parish councils of Mistley, Manningtree and Lawford have also joined forces to celebrate the Queen’s reign.

The Right Royal Party in the Park will take place at the Welcome Home Field, in New Road, Mistley on June 3 with live music, food stalls, bars, children’s entertainment and a fireworks display.

The free event will run from 3pm to 10pm.

A few miles away, Bradfield Parish Council has also planned spectacular celebrations at Bradfield Village Hall and Bradfield Recreation Ground.

The festivities will begin at 8.15 on June 2 at the ground, with the Tendring Brass Band also in attendance.

The celebrations will continue on June 5th from 12pm when residents are invited to bring a picnic.

The programme will also be exciting to everyone living around Ardleigh.

The parish council will be holding a Beacon Lighting Party on the Rec and Millennium Green on June 2 between 8pm and 10pm, with BBQ food, bar and a coffee van.

On June 4 visitors are invited to bring their own picnic for the nationwide Grand Jubilee Lunch at the Millennium Green and Recreation Ground from 12pm to 4pm.