Patriotic residents have grouped together to ensure celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday are carried off in fine style.
Suzannah Niklas has teamed up with friend Pam Mills to help deliver an occasion to remember on Thursday.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has planned a beacon lighting ceremony with the mayor at the castle, which forms the town’s main event at 8.30pm.
But according to Mrs Niklas, after making enquiries to the council, she was told there would be no extended celebrations due to budget constraints.
She said many residents had been left disappointed by low-key celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and had wanted to make amends.
Mrs Niklas said: “We had heard Sevenoaks was doing something pretty massive, and I just thought this was an occasion that was being marked nationally, so we should have an event too. We have had support from the leader of the council, Nicolas Heslop, and councillor Vivian Branson has agreed to bake 200 cupcakes for the event.
“We’ve had to create something from nothing, but I think it’s been a fantastic effort, with nine year-old Kiah Spurle, who has performed in the West End singing happy birthday for the Queen, as well as entertainment from Tom Carradine and a piper who will pipe in the mayor for the beacon lighting.”
