THE countdown is on as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole prepare to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

A whole programme of events has been prepared for the four-day weekend, which will mark 70-years of the Queen’s reign.

The schedule is in addition to more than 300 street parties and big lunches planned for the jubilee.

To kick start the celebrations, a beacon lighting by the mayors will take place in each town at 9.45pm on Thursday June 2.

Christchurch Food Festival will also begin on the Thursday and will run until June 5, giving the public a chance to enjoy delicious street food, bars, craft drinks, free entertainment and cooking demos.

Another food festival to be held in celebration of the jubilee is the Poole Seafood Festival.

Held at Poole Quay between June 3 and 5, the festival will host top chef demonstrations and live music all weekend.

Bournemouth 7s will also take place over the weekend. ‘The sporting Glastonbury’ will be back at East Parley in Christchurch to serve up some of the best sport and music.

Smaller events will be held across the towns, including a free children’s tea party in Christchurch on Saturday, June 4. The tea party is aimed at under 12s who will be able to enjoy circus workshops, stilt walking and magic shows, plus music and dancing.

Poole’s celebrations are set to begin a bit earlier, with a series of entertainment and events scheduled in the town centre from May 28 until 5 June.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for culture and vibrant places, said: “Platinum Jubilee is looking like it's going to be an amazing weekend with events, activities and parties taking place all over. With so much going on, I hope everyone can find a way to join in. So, break out the flags, put up the bunting and enjoy yourselves.”

For more information about jubilee events and activities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, visit https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk/events/