Ringwood is hosting a Party in the Park at Carvers Recreation Ground on Sunday 5 June to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

A live music stage will feature a variety of acts throughout the afternoon. Fourteen-year-old local solo artist Lewis Simons will warm the crowd up from 11.30am followed by Jitterbug Jive at noon, which will be performing lively Lindy Hop, Jazz and Charleston routines. Emma Hardy and band follows and will play a wide range of pop and rock, from Fleetwood Mac to Britney Spears. At 2pm, around 80 singers from the Rock Choir will fill the stage and perform rock, pop and Motown followed by female vintage vocal duo Scarlet Swing. Swing Unlimited Big band will finish the event with a high energy ‘Best of British’ headline set, featuring home-grown chart favourites, TV and movie themes from the 1960s to the present day.

There are lots of activities for children and families, many of which are free. These include the ‘little big top’ from Steamship Circus for pick up and play circus skills workshops all afternoon and Punch and Judy shows performed by Professor JR. There will also be some smaller fairground rides and it will be ‘All Aboard the Platinum Express’ thanks to Chuffley Miniature Steam Railway. A ticket will not only get you a ride on the train but also entry to a raffle to win the specially created steam locomotive headboard.

From 2.30pm, local junior schools are competing in a series of fun challenges to see who will win the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Jubilee Challenge Cup!

A large picnic area will be set up in view of the stage and people are welcome to bring their own picnic or enjoy a range of food including BBQ and Hog Roast, pizza, cream teas and ice cream. Carvers Clubhouse will be selling kids’ picnic boxes as well as sweet treats and the much talked about Platinum Pudding.

You will be able to enjoy a drink knowing that you are supporting local good causes at the bar run by the Ringwood and District Round Table including a Pimm’s tent. An event screen will live stream events happening across the country including the spectacular Jubilee Pageant.

Entry to the event is free although donations are welcome, proceeds of which will be split between local charities and towards the cost of the event. Free parking in NFDC car parks has been made available thanks to New Forest District Council.

Cllr Rae Frederick, chairman of Ringwood Events Sub-Committee said: “We can’t wait to see the hard work coming together to mark this auspicious occasion. It wouldn’t have been possible without a huge number of people supporting the event and we want to thank them all and look forward to welcoming the whole community.”

More information about this event and other events taking place over the long bank holiday can be found on www.ringwood.gov.uk/events and on social media.