Royals invited to city street party

by Kirsty Turner

The West Country could have a Royal visitor next year when a massive street party is held to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The party for residents and past residents of Plymouth's historic Barbican will be held on June 1, 2002 - the day before the three days of official holidays set aside by the Government to celebrate the historic milestone.

Kevin Kelway, co-ordinator of the Barbican jubilee celebrations, has already been in contact with Buckingham Palace and is now liasing with the Lord Lieutenant's office in Exeter about the prospect of a Royal opening the event at 2pm. He said: 'We are very proud to celebrate our links to the monarchy and the day of celebrations planned by local families marking this very special event will bring the long-term residents of the area together. 'It's going to be a brilliant day and having a member of the Royal Family there to open the celebrations will just top it off.'

Tenants on the harbourside are planning an action-packed schedule of children's events and entertainment in the afternoon and an evening of music, where residents will dress in period costumes and dance to the music of the 1950s. Kevin said: 'The theme of the day and night will be a look back at our glorious past, but also the exciting future for the long-term families who continue to keep the Barbican spirit of continuity and love and respect for the area for the future generations.' The Sutton Harbour Company, which owns and manages much of the quayside, is allowing Quay Road in the heart of the ancient quarter, to be used exclusively by local residents as the party gets underway.