Platinum Jubilee Hempton celebrations include flower festival and 'Buckingham Palace would have seen beacon flames'

Published: 11:26, 06 June 2022

| Updated: 12:44, 06 June 2022

Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Hempton proved to a real all-round community effort on Thursday.

A flower festival was held at the village's Holy Trinity Church, while chair of Hempton parish council, Vivien Woods, said of the later beacon lighting: "They would have seen our flames from Buckingham Palace.

"Bringing people together in the community is our aim. It was a really lovely evening and all very good-natured. As a community event it went really well.

Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Hempton. Flower Festival at the Most Holy Trinity Church Hempton, pictured one of the colourful displays. MLNF-22PM06069

"It was very positive and the feedback from people who attended was fabulous.

"It was a tremendous atmosphere."

Darren Anthony of AOT Engineering in Fakenham built the beacon basket, and Nicholas Godfrey-Cole of Fakenham florist Scent With Love provided flowers and blooms for the displays.

Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Hempton. Flower Festival at the Holy Trinity Church. MLNF-22PM06068

The beacon lighting ceremony took place about 9.45pm and was followed by fireworks, the ringing of church bells and a bugle call.

The Hempton Bell put on a barbecue and Norfolk band Soul Traders performed.

John Lingwood of Lawnwise provided spectacular fireworks, Martin Turner of Fakenham Garden Centre generously donated a tree which was planted in honour of The Queen, Pat Jones from FDHA (Fakenham & District Horticultural Association) donated £30 to buy some of the flowers used in the displays.

Platinum Jubilee flower festival at the Holy Trinity Church Hempton, pictured with one of the colourful displays, are churchwardens Christine and Mike Hudson (front left & right), along with Hempton Platinum Jubilee organisers, Vivien Woods (back left) and Christine Haydon (back right). MLNF-22PM06070

Fakenham Gardening Club and Carole Reed, president of the Fakenham Flower Club, jointly created the beautiful flower arrangements displayed in the church.

Artists on the Green loaned their amazing artwork to be displayed in the church while Jewson builders at Hempton loaned items to keep people safe.

Dashimir Peposhi and Andy Stubbs from Fourwinds at Tattersett donated items that contributed to refreshments and childrens' lollipops.

Hempton Platinum Jubilee fancy dress competition. Winner Henry Howlett.

Due to the bad weather, Sunday's celebration event was scaled-down and held in the village's memorial hall. Hempton Bowls Club opened their doors and provided taster sessions while Hempton band SubZero played.

One of the Hempton Scarecrows, created at Fakenham Garden Centre.

The hall has its 50th birthday this year so the aim is for a further summer picnic event to be held in July or August.

Hempton Platinum Jubilee tree planting ceremony. Hempton senior residents who planted the Maple Tree. From left: Barbara Graver and Doris Ramus.

Celebrities Pete Woodhouse