Oldham residents are being reminded to nominate their local heroes to participate in an historic celebration for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June.
With a torchlit procession and beacon lighting event headlining the borough’s plans to honour this landmark occasion on 2 June, the council is on the lookout for 70 extraordinary individuals to be Oldham's torchbearers.
Nominations could be sent in for someone who has raised considerable amounts of money for charity, a volunteer, or even someone who selflessly supported their community during the pandemic.
A council spokesperson said: "Whatever it is, we want to hear about these amazing residents so we can put the spotlight on them during our parade of light."
The procession will take place in Oldham town centre, where the torchbearers will congregate at Oldham Parish Church to light the beacon at 9.45pm. This will be done at the same time as more than 1,500 beacons are lit across the country to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.
Beacons have previously been lit to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, alongside the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of The Queen In 1977, 2002 and 2012 and Her Majesty’s 90th birthday in 2016.
The evening will also include speeches from local dignitaries and a performance from Oldham’s Scottish Pipe Band.
Sayyed Osman, Deputy Chief Executive for People services at Oldham Council, said: “Oldham is full of remarkable individuals.
“That is why we want to hear about their amazing contributions so we can acknowledge their achievements during our Jubilee celebrations.
“This is a great opportunity for us all to recognise the fantastic work that’s been carried out by those closest to us, so get your nominations in soon as the deadline is fast approaching.
“The parade will be a wonderful event and kickstarts an amazing bank holiday weekend for us as all and I look forward to the borough coming together to mark the Queen’s incredible service.”
Residents can make their nomination online by visiting www.oldham.gov.uk/torchbearer.
The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday 11 April and the chosen bearers, who must be aged 12 or over, will be informed on Monday 25 April.
Oldham’s Jubilee weekend will include a two-day family-friendly festival with street theatre, live music, dance, art, and activities including arts and crafts, and big screens showing the national Jubilee Pageant in London.
People from across the borough also have the opportunity to celebrate together at street parties in their own communities, with funding available for 70 groups to throw parties in their neighbourhoods.
More details of events, timings and locations will be available nearer to the event dates.
‘My daughter was strip searched by police after a harrowing ordeal’
GREATER MANCHESTER: All the key developments planned for Greater Manchester this week
The two new Greater Manchester train stations that could be built before 2030
Keep your dog safe from the dangers of antifreeze this winter, warns Dogs Trust
