The LA7 North East Combined Authority (NECA) has urged residents of the North East to take advantage of the four-day bank holiday weekend, as Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 70th birthday on the UK throne.
The Queen ascended the throne in 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI – and is Britain’s longest reigning ruler since the formation of the British monarchy in 1603.
To mark the monumental Platinum Jubilee – many across the country are expected to hold street parties and attend family events from today, paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and her reign, many of these events taking place in the Northeast.
Read more: Queen’s Jubilee LIVE: Celebrations begin across the country to mark 70 years of reign
As a result, the LA7, made up of each of the region’s council leaders, issued a statement earlier this week – wishing all residents good luck and asking them to make the most of the various meetings if they wish.
The statement read: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a historic occasion for our country as Her Majesty celebrates 70 years as a monarch.
“Across the country, people will come together to celebrate with street parties, community events and with friends and families. The North East will be no different.
“Our cities, towns and villages want to celebrate this historic moment, and we want everyone to enjoy the extended holiday.
“We know that whenever large celebrations take place, the overwhelming majority of people are considerate of others around them. However, a small minority can have a big impact and potentially prevent others from having fun during a once in a lifetime event like this.”
North East council leaders also urged those celebrating the Bank Holiday weekend to be mindful of those who are not and to prevent anti-social behavior where possible over the weekend.
The statement continues: “Please be mindful of others in everything you do, whether that’s using the public transport network to get to an event in the area or making sure the street in your local community is uneventful.
“Our emergency services will work closely with communities to keep us all safe, and it is important that they are not under any further pressure. If you see or hear of anti-social behavior or criminal activity , please report it.
“Of course, not everyone will be celebrating the Jubilee and will have other plans for the long Bank Holiday weekend. Whatever you do, be respectful of others around you and those working to protect us.
“Never before has a monarch presided over our nation for 70 years, and we know this milestone is an occasion that will mean so much to so many in our region. Let us all come together to safely celebrate and ensure the departure of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee nothing but positive memories for all of us to enjoy.”
The LA7 is composed of:
Cllr Amanda Hopgood – Leader of Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon – Head of Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Kemp – Leader of Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE – Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson – Leader of Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon – Leader of South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller – Leader of Sunderland City Council
Jamie Driscoll – Mayor of North Tyne
Kim McGuinness – Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
What are you doing to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee?
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