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A Royal Celebration for Orpington




Platinum Jubilee Celebrations from front

On Thursday 2nd June, thousands of Orpingtonians descended upon Market Square for the town's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, organised by Orpington 1st Business Improvement District (BID).

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations phone camera
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations from leisure centre

A regal line-up of entertainment spanning 12 hours began with a screening of Trooping the Colour and culminated with the lighting of the town's Official Jubilee Beacon and fireworks.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations ladies
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Renegade Blues
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Punch and Judy




Face painting, Punch & Judy, and Crown Making kept younger ones regaled, whilst favourite musical moments among older subjects included the unbridled ardour of The Renegade Blues Brothers and the inimitable reggae lilt of Dread Centre.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations dread centre
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations dancers

The glorious Abba Dollz brought out the dancing queen in everyone.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Abba Dollz
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations polka dots


With the whole day expertly hosted by compere Paul Evers, official proceedings included The Proclamation, led by Deputy Lieutenant Geoffrey Thompson, preceded by a prayer led by Rev George Rogers of All Saints, and followed by the national anthem and a toast to Her Majesty The Queen led by toastmaster and Orpington 1st director, Gary Valentine-Fuller - all sandwiched by toe-tapping swing songs from The Polkadots.

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Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Das Brass



Roaming band Das Brass spread the sounds of celebration across the high street and a short film showcasing the best of Britain and highlighting magic moments in popular culture, science, sport, and geopolitics throughout her majesty's 70 glorious years was shown on the big screen.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations beacon


Deputy Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Christine Harris undertook the lighting of the beacon, accompanied by a piper, a bugler, and the specially commissioned song for the commonwealth, before a firework finale ensured a majestic start to the extended bank holiday.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations fireworks

Orpington 1st BID Manager Chris Travers said, "There’s been an incredible atmosphere in town today and it really has demonstrated the best of Orpington. On behalf of our business community, huge thanks to all who joined us.”

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Platinum Jubilee Celebrations good time

Sharon Baldwin, Executive Director, added "thanks to everyone who helped make this a very special celebration and such a memorable and happy occasion. Events are an important part of our programme, and it is a joy to have organised and delivered one that was so well attended by all ages. The unique sprit of Orpington’s community shone as brightly as our beacon.”

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations father and son
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations wee crafters
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations lady crew
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O1st jubilee facebook post

Lots more fabulous photos on our Facebook Page 

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