As people across the country plan to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in a couple of weeks, one street in Bristol will be joining the party in a way that reflects and celebrates multicultural modern Britain. The volunteer-led celebration, supported by over 30 local businesses, will use the day to honour people in the community along St Marks Road in Easton.
The event, organised by St Marks Road Community Group, will include an open day at the local mosque to celebrate the positive contributions made by Muslims in Britain. The presentation of the history of Muslims will include a talk from the great-grandson one of the first Muslims to arrive in Bristol.
In addition to the Union Jack bunting that will be hung along the street, the local church will celebrate the diversity of its congregation, which is made up of people from all over the world. They will hang flags of the world up in the building, alongside a photo display.
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St Marks Road, home of the Sweet Mart and the Grand Iftar, was voted the greatest street in the United Kingdom at the 2020 Urbanism Awards. Although the street was once known for its regular street parties, the Jubilee party organised by local traders and faith groups will be the first held there in a while.
A proposed road closure was strongly opposed by St Marks Road community group, but now the money that came with those proposals has now gone and traders say there has been no real investment on the road for 30 years. They plan to create chalk spray painted hearts on potholes to highlight what they feel is a lack of investment in the street.
The group is still sensitive to the idea of a road closure and will introduce what they have called a soft closure for the day. The street party will be supported by community police officers will permit restricted access to vehicles, organisers say.
The family-friendly event will be between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday, June 5, and volunteers will clean the street on the morning of the party. Craft, clothes, food and stalls will be put on by local residents and businesses. There will also be a barbeque and special Queen’s Jubilee Biryani rice that will be given out for free on the day.
Entertainment will be provided by MTM events, an organisation specialising in promoting local talent and community events. There will also be a range of free kids' activities and a tombola, which will be used to raise money for a local charity.
Lesley Wynne, St Marks Community Cafe Manager who is co-chair on the organising group, said: “It’s going to be a great day, a fun day where everyone’s welcome. Families can come and we’ll all be invited.”
Abdul Malik, chair of Easton Jamia Mosque who is also co-chair of the organising team, said: "The Queen for me is really inspiring. Those of in the public eye know it isn't an easy job and she's been doing it for 70 years.
"The Jubilee is about saying we all make up Britain. Yes, it's about the Queen but it's also about our contribution which is part of the story."
