Forres celebrates with Jubilee party in the park

THE rain failed to dampen the spirits of those hardy souls who turned out to enjoy the celebrations held in Grant Park last night to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

About 300 people turned out to enjoy a picnic in the park, with entertainment provided by Wave Radio throughout the evening, while people enjoyed their barbecues and toasted Her Majesty.

Wave Radio DJ and oocal community councillor, Stewart Kennedy said that the event was definitely busier earlier in the evening, with some folks disappearing when the heavy rain started, but a couple of hundred remained seated around the park, despite the downfall, waiting for the main event.

A special tree planting ceremony was carried out in the Sunken Garden by Forres in Bloom to commemorate the occasion and folks also enjoyed a special performance by the pipes and rums of the Tayforth and Edinburgh Officer Training Corps band who were in the area for cadet camp at RAF Kinloss and decided to mark the Jubilee in Forres.

Community Councillor Steve Ferris co-ordinated the celebration. He accompanied the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Moray Seymour Munro who lit the Jubilee beacon from the top of Nelsons Tower shortly after 10pm which could be seen burning brightly around Forres.