RESIDENTS across Andover and the surrounding area have begun a weekend of celebrations to mark the momentous occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Streets across the town have been adorned with red, white and blue flags ahead of neighbours getting together to celebrate this ‘once in a generation event’. Some have even gone a step further, creating murals and knitted royal decorations to bring smiles to people’s faces.

On Thursday night beacons were lit in recognition of the Queen’s service, as has been the tradition during previous jubilees.

Today people are invited a Jubilee Street Festival in the town centre, which will showcase a rich medley of food, music, dance, art and activities.

Then on Sunday a Picnic in the Park has been organised at Vigo Park. Organisers will be judging a jubilee-themed ‘best dressed’ competition and music will be played for all to enjoy.

The event was spearheaded by the late Cllr Barbara Long, former mayor of Andover, who sadly died earlier this month.

The town council is therefore hoping people will come along and make it an event to remember to honour her life and all she gave to the town, as well as the Queen’s historic 70-year reign.

Advertiser reporters will be out and about across weekend covering the occasion and you can follow events as they happen at andoveradvertiser.co.uk.

We’ll be publishing a special picture pull out of street parties and events in next week’s edition along with a full round up of the weekend’s stories.

We hope you enjoy the jubilee celebrations!

You can read our full coverage in this week's paper. Also in this week's edition:

  • An Andover councillor has slammed the town’s MP over his decision to vote against a proposed emergency tax cut. 
  • An Andover medical practice is celebrating reaching the milestone of 10,000 registered patients.
  • An Andover councillor who runs a community football club is giving up competitive coaching in favour of charity training sessions aimed at refugees and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Tributes have been paid to a former Andover councillor and Test Valley mayor, who has sadly died.
  • A ‘kind and caring’ son died of alcohol poisoning after ongoing struggles with his mental health and work-related stress.
  • A group of students from Andover have celebrated the huge success of a film festival that took place last week.
  • Volunteers at two Andover charities have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary service, the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK equivalent to an MBE.
  • A college group has been celebrating the start of Pride Month with a very special parade.
  • PLUS: Two pages of YOUR letters
  • PICTURES: Thousands turn out for inaugral Soapbox Derby event
  • Cllr Phil North's May column
  • An eight-page puzzle special
  • Entertainment news
  • Sports news
  • And much, much more
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