By John Connell

Last updated at 16:58, Friday, 03 February 2012

Longtown will mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a patriotic parade.

Paul Brown

A cavalcade of vintage cars, floats and bands will fill the town with sound and colour on Saturday, June 2.

Paul Brown, one of the organisers and parish council chairman, said: “It will be particularly great for the young people and the elderly.

“I want people to get a good patriotic feeling.

“It’s a wonderful thing that pulls the whole community together. We want at least 2,500 to 3,000 people, possibly more.”

Brass, pipe and jazz bands have agreed to take part in the parade, while locals in fancy dress will vie with one another to make the most exciting float.

A horse and carriage will carry the Gala Queen from Longtown Primary School through the town.

Members of Moky Fit Carlisle will be dancing in the streets along with Carlisle United cheerleaders the Nixon Vixens.

There will be a steel band and a children’s party will be held in the memorial hall in Arthuret Road, with entertainment inside and out.

All the children in the parish will be presented with a commemorative medal.

Elderly people within the community will be presented with a jubilee mug, with a separate party for them at a venue to be confirmed.

Volunteers will also decorate the town’s two care homes – Eskdale House and Virginia Lodge Home – with bunting and Union Jack flags.

The parade will start at about 1pm at the auction mart on to Bridge Street before moving on to High Street and English Street.

The procession will continue down Albert Street, on to Burn Street and Mary Street before finishing close to the primary school.

The lavish party will be paid for in part with the £4,700 bequeathed to the parish council by the former gala committee to fund community events.

The parish council has donated £1,000, while city councillors Ray Bloxham and John Mallinson gave £200.

First published at 14:05, Friday, 03 February 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk