BRITAIN is gearing up for a celebration to remember as the Queen marks her historic Platinum Jubilee in June.
It is hoped as many as ten million people will enjoy street parties in honour of her Majesty’s record-breaking 70 years on the throne.
Wendy and Kevin Sheldon have thrown a party to celebrate every Jubilee since 1977The brother and sister are busy planning their fourth Jubilee party in their street in NottinghamAnd today we are launching a brilliant competition to get the nation in the party mood by offering five lucky streets the chance to win the ultimate Jubilee bash.
We have teamed up with Iceland and The Food Warehouse to provide everything you need for your Jubilee party — absolutely FREE.
We have £10,000 to give away to FIVE winners, who will each receive £2,000 to spend on a street party or get-together during the four-day Jubilee bank holiday starting on Thursday, June 2.
All you have to do is tell us why your event deserves our amazing prize — full details are below.
Our winners will be given vouchers that will provide everything they need for a brilliant party to toast the Queen’s reign.
‘It was lovely to see’
Iceland’s 1,000 stores will not only have party food and drink for the big day, but they also stock cups, paper plates, table cloths, napkins, straws and even bunting.
Each £2,000 prize will ensure your party really goes with a swing.
Iceland and The Food Warehouse are partners in The Big Jubilee Lunch, run by the Eden Project charity, which is encouraging communities to come together for a meal over the four-day weekend from June 2-5.
More than 1,500 full-blown street parties or smaller get-togethers have already been confirmed.
And many more are being planned — from huge events with tables in the street to just a few people meeting up in a garden.
Today, we would love you to tell us why the Jubilee Street party you are planning deserves one of our sensational £2,000 prizes.
Maybe you are having a special charity event or planning a remarkable reunion to mark the Queen’s reign.
Or are you holding a party to raise money for a good cause as well as raising a glass to Her Majesty?
Perhaps, like Wendy and Kevin Sheldon, you have thrown a party to celebrate every Jubilee since 1977.
The brother and sister are busy planning their fourth Jubilee party in their street in Nottingham. Their mum Elsie held the first event at the family home for the Silver Jubilee in 1977 when Wendy was 13 and Kevin 17.
Wendy, now 57, says: “Mum got the neighbours involved and we did car washes, raffles and sold bits and bobs to make some money so we could throw a brilliant party.
“We got permission for the road to be closed and everyone volunteered to make something, so there was plenty of food.
“Our local radio station held a contest for the best street party and we won.
“Everyone on the street was given a jubilee mug as a prize.”
Incredibly, 25 years later — for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee — they won £500 from their local newspaper to put towards another party.
Kevin, now 61, says: “Neither of us could believe it. We decided to do a garage party. We knocked on every door in the street and invited them.
“We put the money towards the food as well as red, white and blue plates, mugs and cakes.”
Shining light
A decade later they held a smaller party in the garden of their home to mark the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Wendy recalls: “We were exhausted by the end of the day, but toasted Her Majesty with champagne.”
Kevin and Wendy have already started preparations for their 2022 event. Wendy says: “We haven’t sent out invites yet, but we’re hoping lots of the street will join us. It’s amazing Her Majesty is celebrating so many years as Queen.
“It’s only right the country does something to celebrate. She’s such a wonderful monarch, a shining light.
“We’re determined to make it a day to remember.”
TV chef Ainsley Harriott says: “The Big Jubilee Lunch is a great way for the whole nation to mark a historic moment.
He said: “Food has always been the perfect way to bring people together and if there is one thing we know how to do, it’s how to throw a right royal street party!
“This is the perfect excuse to bust out some bunting, rustle up some tasty treats and get to know the neighbours better.”
