Saffron Walden Town Council’s man-made beach on The Common has opened in Saffron Walden.

Town mayor James de Vries declared the beach open, with the help of a pod of mermaids from Pure Rhythm School of Performing Arts, and council staff.

The beach will be open daily from 9am to 5pm until Sunday, June 5.

It's part of the fun to celebrate HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Beach-fun in landlocked Saffron Walden for the Platinum JubileeBeach-fun in landlocked Saffron Walden for the Platinum Jubilee (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Children playing on the new 'beach' at The Common, Saffron WaldenChildren playing on the new 'beach' at The Common, Saffron Walden (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Children playing on the new 'beach' at The Common, Saffron WaldenChildren playing on the new 'beach' at The Common, Saffron Walden (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Having fun on the 'beach' on The Common, Saffron WaldenHaving fun on the 'beach' on The Common, Saffron Walden (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Families having fun on the 'beach' in Saffron WaldenFamilies having fun on the 'beach' in Saffron Walden (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Town mayor James de Vries with mermaids at the 'beach' in Saffron WaldenTown mayor James de Vries with mermaids at the 'beach' in Saffron Walden (Image: Saffron Photo)


Free circus show

Santus Circus - Le Cirque De France is also in town, with their Big Top on The Common until June 5.

Circus ringmaster the Audacious Mr Astley will be running a free performance on The Common on Thursday, June 2 at 8pm.

The event has been funded by the town council. Tickets are free of charge from the Tourist Information Centre or on the door on the night subject to availability.

The circus company is helping with Jubilee celebrations by providing an extra tent for the town's own events.

Right Royal Trail competition

Saffron Walden Business Improvement District (BID) is running a Jubilee Right Royal Trail competition until June 12.

Find Royal crowns with pictures or letters inside on the Right Royal Trail around Saffron Walden, to enter the prize draw.

Participants can also try to complete the secret words with the letters that have been found.

See @lovesaffronwaldenessex on Facebook or Instagram.


Saffron Walden events for the Platinum Jubilee

Thursday, June 2

11am to 1pm: Climb the tower and have a go at ringing the bells at St Mary's Church.

12noon: Free lunch at Cafe Cornell for anyone who would otherwise be alone. Book your place via 07535 609 248.

All day: Santus Circus

Every day until June 12: Right Royal Trail competition

2pm: the Town Crier's Proclamation in Market Square

Mid-afternoon: food, drink and entertainment on The Common

Evening: ‘Dance on The Common’ with The Miss Jones Jazz Band

Evening: The Platinum Jubilee Costume Competition

9.45pm Beacon lighting.


Friday, June 3

Community Together Day on The Common, with free activities

All day: Santus Circus

Saturday, June 4

Jubilee Market on The Common

All day: Santus Circus

Sunday, June 5

10am Service of Thanksgiving for the Platinum Jubilee at St Mary's Church, Saffron Walden.

Noon onwards: Fairycroft House and Saffron Walden Initiative present the community Big Lunch Picnic on The Common

All day: Santus Circus


Our Queen's Platinum Reign

As Her Majesty celebrates her record-breaking reign we have delved into our archives to create a tribute to her life and 70 years of service.

Filled with photos and history, Our Queen's Platinum Reign is a magazine we hope readers will treasure for years to come. This special souvenir is available for £9.99 online and in-store.

Order online by clicking this link www.gblshop.co.uk/jubilee.

Find shops stocking the magazine near you by heading over to seymour.co.uk/storefinder/.

Select 'Our Queens Platinum Reign' from the drop-down menu along with your postcode and radius.


READ MORE:

Saffron Walden events for Platinum Jubilee

Platinum Jubilee events in Clavering, Debden and Debden Grange in Newport

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Queen's Jubilee Pond Project in Uttlesford

How to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in Essex

Queen, Alicia Keys and Diana Ross to star in BBC's Platinum Jubilee Party

Pictures from Jubilee Walden Walk

Queen's Baton Relay coming to Hinxton

New Mayors and deputies in Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow