From Thursday, June 2, communities across our areas will come together to enjoy bunting, cakes, parties and more, to mark the Queen's 70-year reign on the throne.

Here's a list of some of the events happening in our areas:

Stevenage

The crowds are kept amused as they await the Queen's arrival in Stevenage in 2012 (Image: Archant)

Beacon Lighting - Thursday, June 2

The Jubilee Beacon is one of thousands being lit in the UK and the Commonwealth, and forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee Weekend.

Stevenage Borough Council will light the beacon at 9.45pm in the town centre.

Big Jubilee Lunch - Sunday, June 5

A Picnic in the Park event will be held at Fairlands Valley Park as part of the Jubilee celebrations, from 12 noon to 4pm, in the bandstand area.

Hitchin

Trooping the Colour livestream - Thursday, June 2

Events will kick off on Thursday with a big screen in the Market Place live streaming the Trooping the Colour, footage of the Queen's visit in 2012 and the Coronation in 1952.

The Queen makes her way to Sunday services in St Paul's Warden. (Image: Hitchin Museum.)

Beacon Lighting - Thursday, June 2

In the evening, Hitchin will be joining the 1,500 places across the UK to light a beacon on top of Osinskys Bar. There will a band and singalong music with the beacon being lit at 9.45pm.

Hitchin Carnival - Friday, June 3

Starting at Hitchin Rugby Club and traveling through the town, the Carnival will be made up of local groups, businesses, residents and charities. There will be entertainment and stalls in the town centre, as well as craft stalls and family friendly activities.

Family activities - Saturday, June 4

On Saturday there will be family friendly activities in Market Place, including face-painting and busking.

The Queen meets schoolchildren in Hitchin (Image: Archant)

Big Lunch - Sunday, June 5

On Sunday the main streets in the town centre will be closed to traffic and local businesses will be taking part in the ‘Big Lunch’.

There will be live music, chairs and tables laid out in the road encouraging the Hitchin residents to come together for a day of celebration.

There will be areas of the Market Place allocated for picnic areas to bring your own food and drink.

Letchworth

Jubilee Pottery - Thursday, June 2

At the Fenners Building from 10.30am to 4:30pm, participants are invited to make their own clay Queen, corgi, or Jubilee-inspired drinking vessel

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Big Lunch - Saturday, June 4

Love Letchworth invites the community to enjoy the Big Lunch at Broadway Gardens from 11am to 4pm

The Queen’s Jubilee Fun - Saturday, June 4

Letchworth Golf Club will host games for all the family, a barbecue and children's entertainer from 12 noon to 5pm.

The Wynd Jubilee Party - Garden City Brewery - Sunday, June 5

The Wynd is offering creative, community spirit, fun and games, pirate play, delicious food and drink and music, from 12 noon to 5pm.

Royal British Legion Veterans Jubilee Afternoon Tea - Sunday, June 5

At Mrs Elizabeth Howard Memorial Hall from 1.30pm to 4pm, there will be a free afternoon tea for those who have served, as special thanks, with time to reflect on the many years of service given by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Baldock

Queen’s Jubilee Big Lunch - Sunday, June 5

Baldock is no stranger to a Big Lunch! With a wide range of foods, live music and funfair rides, the High Street in Baldock’s will host the extra special Big Lunch for the Jubilee.

Some libraries across Hertfordshire will also be hosting a morning of nostalgia to celebrate The Queen’s connection to the county.

In Baldock, the session will take place on Monday, June 6, from 10.30am to midday.

There will be chance to explore and share photographs and memories of previous Jubilee celebrations. All sessions are free.

For more information on library events, go to https://bit.ly/3ltFAQd.

Are you hosting a Platinum Jubilee Street Party or community event? Send your pictures from the weekend to news@thecomet.net.