Words by Ed King
On Friday 3 June, Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate 70 years as the UK and Commonwealth’s ruling monarch, with street parties and events being held across the weekend in her honour.
Born 21 April 1926, the young Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1951 after the death of her father King George VI.
Always an active royal, Queen Elizabeth II has been the longest ruling monarch in British history – retaining the name Windsor for the royal household, as it has been since 1917.
To mark the unprecedented occasion, an Erdington Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 70 Years Anniversary event is being held at the Village Green end of Erdington High Street, from 12noon until 3pm on Friday 3 June – it is free to attend, and all ages and faiths are welcome.
Organised by Pastor Rasaq Ibrahim, on behalf of Churches Together – a collection of Christian churches from across the Erdington constituency, the Erdington High Street jubilee celebration will begin with an hour of ‘thanksgiving’ for Her Majesty.
From 1pm to 3pm there will then be a traditional British Street party, with food from local businesses and family activities – including music and drama, with local children also giving talks about Queen Elizabeth II.
Organisers have invited church and civil leaders to attend and give further speeches, alongside the Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton and Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Morgan.
There will also be a roll call of thanks and awards to local community groups who are active in the area.
People wishing to attend the Churches Together Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 70 Years Anniversary event can make their way to the High Street from 12noon, with no booking requirements or costs.
For further information call Pastor Rasaq on 07960 306 394
The Churches Together Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 70 Years Anniversary event has been supported by the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme, Birmingham City Council, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God.