Witney is preparing to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a range of events taking place during the extended bank holiday weekend.

In addition to the public events, there will be hundreds of street parties or private events with 26 applications for road closures officially registered to take place from June 2 - 5.

The mayor of Witney, Cllr Joy Aitman, town crier, town councillors, air cadets, Park Run and youngsters from West Oxfordshire Academy Of Performing Arts will light a beacon – a long-held tradition of celebrating royal jubilees, weddings and coronations – on the The Leys recreation ground.

The ceremony will begin at 9pm on Thursday June 2 when the principal beacon, involving The Tree of Trees – a 21-metre high “tree” constructed of 350 smaller trees – is lit in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace, sparking a chain of similar ceremonies nationwide.

Friends and neighbours can bring their own food or order a picnic hamper from The Coffee Shed for Witney Big Lunch on Sunday June 5 on the Leys recreation ground where there will be free tennis, mini golf and garden games.

On Saturday June 4, Witney Beer Festival, organised by Witney Round Table, gets under way at St Mary’s Church from 12 noon.

Organisers expect 800 orders in the first three hours based on 2019 in an event raising funds for the Round Table charity pot to benefit local causes.

A Platinum Jubilee Concert will feature Voicebox Choir and Witney Town Band at the Corn Exchange on Friday June 3 at 2.30pm.

Performances include music from the Home Nations and Commonwealth to celebrate 70 years ofthe Queen’s reign, including some of Her Majesty’s favourite pieces.

There will be a Family Fun Play Day on Burwell Recreation Ground on Wednesday June 1, locals can get together at a Jubilee coffee morning at The Corn Exchange on Thursday June 2.

There will be a free children’s Jubilee-themed craft morning on Saturday June 4 at the Corn Exchange which will also have an exhibition of memorabilia running from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5.

West Oxfordshire District Council has offered funding to some communities organising celebrations.

Giles Hughes, chief executive of the council, said: “The Jubilee is the perfect opportunity to bring communities together to celebrate our Queen’s incredible achievement, foster friendships and make new links with neighbours."