A PRIVATE members’ club is preparing to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next week with a special and patriotic bring-your-own picnic event for families.

The Colchester Officers’ Club, in Londinium Road, Colchester, is hosting a street party next Friday to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.

During the three hour event, running from 12pm until 3pm, guests will be able to enjoy live music and locally produced snacks will be available to purchase.

To find out more visit cgoclub.co.uk.

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The event is one of a number taking place across Colchester to mark the jubilee.

Colchester Council has planned a whole day of activity and entertainment for residents to celebrate on Thursday.

It will kick off with the Queen’s birthday gun salute followed by a community picnic in Castle Park from 12pm to 4pm.

This is a free to attend event supported by Community 360 and the Anti Loo Roll Brigade.

During this picnic the Castle Park planting and willow sculptures will be unveiled and a town crier will read the proclamation.

Later in the evening, the town hall, Colchester Castle, Jumbo and the Mercury will be lit up to celebrate the jubilee.

A piper will play Diu Regnare before a civic procession to Castle Park where the beacon will be lit.

A six-minute flypast of more than 70 aircraft will complete the Queen’s birthday parade as part of platinum jubilee celebrations.

Dozens of aircraft from the Royal Navy, the Army and Royal Air Force will soar over Buckingham Palace on Thursday June 2.

The Platinum Jubilee flyover will pass through the north and east of Colchester between 12.30and 1.15pm, then the south and west of Colchester, towards London, shortly afterwards.