A Royal Occasion - Diamond Jubilee Service

Hampshire residents are being invited to apply for a limited number of tickets to join His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex at the Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving in Winchester Cathedral on Sunday 27th May 2012 at 3.30pm. The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, the Chairman and Leader of Hampshire County Council and the Dean and Chapter of Winchester Cathedral are hosting the event which will be by invitation and attended by representatives from a wide cross section of organisations across the Hampshire Community.

Dame Mary Fagan DCVO, JP, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire said: “I am delighted that His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex will attend the Service. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s dedication to the Nation.”

Councillor Ken Thornber CBE, Leader of Hampshire County Council said: “This royal occasion signals a fitting start to Hampshire’s celebrations that will culminate in an extended bank holiday weekend from 2 - 5 June. I am particularly pleased that during the Service recognition will be given to the thousands of hours given by volunteers to their communities, including the efforts of Hampshire’s ‘Diamond Volunteers’”

The Dean of Winchester, The Very Reverend James Atwell said, “The service is a marvellous local opportunity to celebrate the 60 years of exemplary service that our Queen has given to our nation. The presence of The Earl of Wessex will bring a very immediate sense of connection with Her Majesty The Queen to the occasion.”

A jazz band from the Hampshire County Council Music Service will be playing on the Outer Close at the Cathedral as guests start to arrive. The Thanksgiving Service will include the national Diamond Jubilee Prayer commissioned by The Church of England and music from a Military Band.

Attendance at the Service will be by invitation. Applications for tickets should be made before the closing date of 10 May 2012.

Hampshire residents can apply online at Hampshire County Council’s Diamond Jubilee website or by writing to:

Hampshire Lieutenancy Office
Serle's House,
Gar Street,
Winchester.
SO23 8GQ

E-mail:lord.lieutenant@hants.gov.uk