This summer Lyme Regis has a fantastic programme of exciting music, entertainment and community celebrations to honour The Queen’s 70 years of service to the country and Commonwealth.
Over the extended 4-day bank holiday weekend of 2nd to 5th June, Lyme Regis will join the nation in marking the historic occasion, with a big finale event on Sunday 5th June.
BBC Big Band
Torchlight procession
The celebrations begin on Thursday 2nd June with a torchlight procession, when the glow of more than 300 blazing torches will illuminate the Langmoor and Lister Gardens as the sun sets.
Led by the mayor and the town crier, the procession will move through the seafront gardens and onto the sandy beach to make a spectacular ring of fire. Then as the darkness falls, the mayor will be escorted to the harbour’s north wall to set the town’s beacon ablaze.
Weekend entertainment
Throughout the weekend entertainment will be provided by Jazz Jurassica, starting on Thursday 2nd June. During the festival there will be some free open-air concerts on the seafront. as well as other ticketed performances at the Marine Theatre. This year organisers have pulled out all the stops to showcase the best of jazz, blues and soul throughout the Jubilee weekend. Acts include James Taylor Quartet, Dockside Latin Orchestra and Elles Bailey to name a few.
Jubilee picnic
On Sunday 5th June is the main event of the Platinum Jubilee weekend, starting with the Jubilee Picnic in the seafront gardens in the late afternoon.
Visitors are invited to bring their own picnics to enjoy whilst taking in the stunning view of Lyme Bay and being entertained by local performers on the seafront rooftop. Why not enjoy some delicious local produce on your picnic? There are many businesses in town to purchase some tasty treats including cakes, sandwiches and of course fish and chips.
During the day entertainment comes from the talented young musicians of B Sharp and the traditional brass strains of Lyme Regis Town Band, as well as dancing from Lyme Morris. A great fun day out that the whole family can enjoy.
The grand finale
As evening falls, all attention will turn to the main stage on the beach, where the spectacular BBC Big Band will perform.
The orchestra comprises of 18 or more musicians, including a full brass section and vocalists, in full black tie, are sure to get you dancing by playing a wide repertoire of genres, from the rat pack, to swing and Last Night at the Proms. There will of course be some rousing British songs to celebrate the occasion, including the National Anthem to close the evening.
Following the BBC Big Band’s performance, a magnificent fireworks’ display over the Cobb will round off the weekend’s celebrations with a bang.
So, don't miss this truly spectacular weekend of events and start planning your visit to Lyme Regis and create magical memories with your friends and family. Make sure to share your images throughout the celebrations with us on Instagram by tagging us using #VisitLymeRegis.
