Diamond Jubilee celebrations took place on Harrogate’s Stray over the weekend – 2/3 June.
The event involved a number of commercial food stalls over the afternoons providing a variety of food. People were also encouraged to bring along their own picnics. The weather held clear on the Saturday. Like many events, suffered with the day-long rain on the Sunday.
The highlight was on Sunday when a symbolic papier mâché Ox, made by Starbeck Primary Community, was placed onto the fire pit. The ox had been made with the help Harrogate-based, freelance artist, Andy Barton.
The original ox roasting celebrated Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1897 and was originally performed with the 13 carving cutlery sets commissioned by industrial inventor, Samuel Fox.
Two of the sets now reside in the Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate, with a set also in private ownership. The location of the remaining 10 sets still remains a mystery.
Councillor Robert Windass, the new Mayor of Harrogate, used one of the original sets of carvings knives to carve beef cooked. – joints of meat were cooked rather than an entire ox due to food regulations.
Tonight (4 June) will see a number of beacons lit throughout the country and in the region:
Knaresborough Castle – as part of the jubilee celebrations on the castle top, public welcome – entertainment from 11.00am with a big screen showing of the jubilee concert from 7.00pm
Goldsborough Hall, Goldsborough – (Princess Mary’s first family residence) – public welcome
Grewelthorpe – Camp Farm – public welcome
Masham – Roomer Common – public welcome with entertainment on the Market Place from 5.30pm with live music and firework display
Brimham Rocks – meet at National Trust car park at 9.30pm to be escorted by organisers from St Jude’s Church, Hartwith
Coldstones Cut – visitors can go to the viewing area ready for the lighting
Roecliffe – Village Green – public welcome – games, treasure hunt and BBQ from 5.00pm
