HUGE patriotic events are planned across south Essex for the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

From street parties to lit beacons there is so much planned in the south Essex communities.

Southend City Council is holding a number of public events over the bank holiday weekend, which will include the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon, which will be lit on Thursday, June 2, at 9.45pm, by the Cenotaph at Clifftown Parade.

There will also be Music In The Park events throughout the bank holiday weekend at the bandstand in Priory Park, with all performances featuring local groups. Times are as follows: Thursday, June 2, Jubilee Festival of Brass between 1pm and 6pm Friday, June 3, The Famous Potatoes between 3pm and 4.30pm Saturday, June 4, Southend Vox between 3pm and 4.30pm Sunday, June 5, The Show Choir between 3pm and 4.30pm.

On Saturday, June 4, the Focal Point Gallery will host a creative Open Day across The Forum and the outside square, a fun day for all to explore their creatively, filled with artists workshops, performances and screenings. All ages, abilities and backgrounds are welcome at the event free of charge.

When beacons are lit in each of the capital cities of the Commonwealth countries to celebrate the landmark at 9.45pm on June 2, four beacons will also be lit at Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea, Sun Corner in Billericay, Pound Lane in Laindon, and Wickford Memorial Park.

A Big Jubilee Lunch will take place on June 5, and community leaders and council officers are working on details for events across the communities.

There will also be tree-planting to leave a green legacy of the landmark at South Green Open Space in Billericay, Nevendon Road Recreation Ground in Wickford, Victoria Park in Laindon, Gloucester Park in Basildon, and Northlands Park in Pitsea.