The Royal City will be celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s record-breaking reign on Sept. 9.
Community members are invited to enjoy a day-long celebration in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who will become the longest serving British monarch in history on Sept. 9 at 9:30 a.m. local time. The record has been held by Queen Victoria, who named New Westminster.
“We are absolutely delighted to celebrate Her Majesty’s reigning achievement with this commemorative day,” said Karen Baker-MacGrotty, chair of the event. “We wish her good stead for many years to come. God Save our gracious Queen! Long may she reign!”
A small group of volunteers have organized the event, which is taking place at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 540 Carnarvon St. A Reigning Achievement People’s Celebration Day will get underway at 9:30 a.m. with a 21-gun salute.
“Our local citizenry, through a people’s celebration day, will recognize this momentous achievement in honour, recognition and appreciation of our Queen, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II,” Baker-MacGrotty said in a press release. “I am delighted with the overwhelming support from sponsors, individual donor and grassroots community volunteers, without the use of taxpayer’s funds, making it a true citizen’s celebration.”
From 2 to 6 p.m., people will be able to view displays of unique coronation memorabilia and historical artifacts owned and maintained by local individuals, cultural displays of music and dance by local artists, a 21-gun salute and church bell ringing. The celebration also includes an afternoon high-tea service, a harp concert, a British sing-along, sabering of champagne, toasts and a Quadrille performance of the Royal Lancers and the May Queen suites.
At 4 p.m., the church bells will ring out in recognition of the 63 nations in the British Commonwealth. Afternoon activities are free, with donations for admission and tea gratefully accepted. All of the day’s events are taking place on the grounds of Holy Trinity Cathedral, 540 Carnarvon St.
A 5 p.m. church service at Holy Trinity Cathedral will conclude with a rendition of Highland Cathedral, a duet of bagpipes accompanied by the cathedral’s historic organ. The celebration is also recognizing the parts of the church that survived the Great Fire on Sept. 10, 1898.
“Everyone is very excited to join the commemoration events, as an occasion of this magnitude will most likely not happen ever again in our lifetimes or in that of many future generations,” Baker-MacGrotty said in a press release. “As such, this day will represent a wonderful citizen’s celebration and gathering of our peoples in Her Majesty’s honour. How glorious a day it will be.”
In the evening, a formal state dinner will feature greetings from the Prime Minster delivered by Senator Yonah Martin and music by the volunteer band of the Royal Westminster Regiment. It is sold out.
“The celebrations will draw to a close with a local toast of fine port to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s reigning achievement,” said Baker-MacGrotty, honorary colonel of the Royal Westminster Regiment.
The event is 12 hours long, but will break around noon so folks are able to go to the City of New Westminster’s celebration at city hall that includes the firing of the Anvil Battery in honour of the Queen. Along with comments from the mayor and the Monarchist League of Canada, the United Empire Loyalists’ Association will provide a display of photos and artifacts.
