Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

2nd - 5th June 2022

Green Croft Arts with the support of other businesses and the Parish Councils in the area, led a series of artistic and cultural activities over the Platinum Jubilee Weekend 2nd June - 5th June 2022. Lighting the Jubilee Beacons along Hadrian’s Wall was central to the Royal Pageantmaster’s plans for the UK-wide community celebrations. Gilsland Village sits on Hadrian’s Wall and this was an unqiue opportunity for the community of Gilsland and surrounding area to celebrate this national event. The events were suitable for the whole community, young and old.

Greenhead Scarecrow Trail: 27 May- 12th June 2022 

After a hiatus the Greenhead Scarecrow Trail returned for 2022 during the Platinum Jubilee Weekend. The two themes were

1. The Queen / Platinum Jubilee 

2. Commemorating 1900 years of Hadrian’s Wall - portraying the history of Greenhead / Gilsland in the last 1900 years. 

Workshops For Hadrian’s Wall Jubilee Beacon Event 

Monday 23rd May 6:00 - 8.00pm - Lantern Making led by Amanda Drago at Gilsland Youth Club, Gilsland Village Hall 

Saturday 28th May  10:00am - 12:00pm - Learn the Song For The Commonwealth led by Lindsay Hannon

Saturday 28th May  12:00pm - 2:00pm - Lantern Making led by Amanda Drago at Gilsland Village Hall  

Schools Workshops at Gilsland CofE Primary School

Lantern Making (led by Amanda Drago) and Song For The Commonwealth(Lindsay Hannon) workshops for children at Gilsland CofE Primary School. 

• Materials and workshop delivery provided by Green Croft Arts 

• Space provided by Gilsland Village Hall 

BBC NEWS AT SIX

We were featured on the BBC News at Six on Thursday 2nd June  2022 as we prepared for Beacon Lighting event on Hadrian's Wall 

Hadrian’s Wall Beacon Event at Gilsland Village Hall & Willowford: Thursday 02 June 2022

7:00 - 9:00pm Swing Dance Taster Session led by The House Of The Black Gardenia. Vintage Swing Dance Band featuring Kit Haigh from Green Croft Arts. House of the Black Gardenia bring together the new generation of Newcastle's jazz, blues and swing scene for a raucous revival of old-fashioned good times.

9:00 - 9:30pm Community Lantern Parade. Follow the band New Orlean’s Style from Gilsland Village Hall, up to Willowford Farm.

9:35pm Bagpiper, Allen Clement plays Diu Regnare 

Allen is a prize winning solo piper who has played with various pipe bands over the years, including The Vale of Atholl and Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary bands. Allen’s cousin, Stuart Liddell, composed Diu Regnare as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee, June 2022. 

9:40pm Lara Hopper - Trumpet Majesty

9:50pm Song Of The Commonwealth led by Lindsay Hannon 

9:45pm Light beacon / brazier (made by DNV Spadeadam). Beacon lit by the Ivor Riddell & Alfie Barwick, oldest and youngest members of the community. 

10:00pm Fireworks 

The House of The Black Gardenia event in the village hall was SOLD OUT with around 100 people attending. The number of participants in the Lantern Parade and for the lighting of the beacon exceeded expectation with over 350 people taking part.

The Big Afternoon Tea Street Party at Gilsland CofE Primary School: Saturday 4th June 2022, 1.00 - 4.00pm.

We held a community street party at Gilsland CofE Primary School. Around 150 people came Come and get to know neighbours a bit better. Bring a cake, biscuits or sandwiches to share. Join in with family friendly fun, games, arts and crafts activities. 

Old Skool Disco at Gilsland Village Hall Saturday 4th June 2022, 7.00 - 11.00pm

Smoke machines, strobes and music from the 50's, 60’s, 70’ all the way up to the present day playing music across the reign of Queen Elizabeth II

Funders & Partners

We worked with other other businesses and volunteers to make it happen and we are grateful for Thirlwall Parish Council, Upper Denton Parish Council, Haltwhistle Town Council, Northumberland Jubilee Fund and Arts Council Let's Create Jubilee Fund who financially supported the activity.