As the nation prepares celebrations to mark the Queen's historic 70-year reign, High Peak Borough Council has launched a grant fund for those planning local events.

The Queen is the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee and plans already announced include:

• The creation of an extended Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June for public events to take place
• Events include the Big Jubilee Lunch and street parties
• £22m of National Lottery Funding to support activities

Locally, the borough council has announced it has created a £20,000 fund for communities to organise their own events and celebrations.

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, Leader of the Council, said: “The anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne earlier this month has kick started a year of events, and I’m pleased to announce this grant funding to help communities across the High Peak plan and support their summer celebrations.

“It is a truly historic milestone of selfless public service and I know people will want to take part in both national and local events as we come together across the UK to honour this achievement.

“We hope this extra financial help will be welcomed by those already planning community events and spur on those considering doing so.”

The fund will be open to applications from Town and Parish Councils with £750 being available to Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills and Whaley Bridge – the largest three Councils – and £550 to the other parishes.

In areas not represented by a Town or Parish Council, including Buxton and Glossop, up to £750 per event will be available to organisers on a first-come-first-served basis.

Parishes may wish to consider submitting joint bids or making funds available to community events supported by the Town and Parish councils.

There’s more information, including an application form, at www.highpeak.gov.uk/PlatinumJubilee. 

The council says it will be adding information about relevant Jubilee events and activities to this page where possible. 

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