IPSWICH: People across the town are being invited to put some real sparkle into the Diamond Jubilee celebrations over the bank holiday weekend in June.

Two days of celebrations are planned for Sunday and Monday, June 3 and 4, as Ipswich joins the rest of the country in celebrating The Queen’s Jubilee.

There will be major events on the Cornhill and in Christchurch Park – and they will be linked to other events happening around the country.

The borough council has linked up with the Ipswich Building Society to develop a series of festivities to enable people to feel part of the celebrations.

Mayor John Le Grys said: “We hope that everything that happens in Ipswich will help develop a sense of community.

“I’d like to see neighbours talking to each other and becoming friends, and for people to feel a part of the celebrations.”

There are likely to be street parties across the town, he added.

“This is going to be one of the highlights of the 2012 calendar. The Queen has given a lifetime of service to the country and Ipswich will be leading the way in celebrating her reign.

“I hope that communities across the town will also join in with their own events.”

Ipswich Building Society chief executive Paul Winter said: “We are delighted to be supporting the town’s events to mark the Diamond Jubilee. It is a once-in-a-lifetime event and I just hope the weather is as good at the start of June as it is today!

“The plans are really exciting and it’s fantastic that local communities can also take part in such a momentous occasion.”

Street parties need to be registered with the county council which is responsible for closing roads.

A Suffolk County Council spokeswoman said: “To make it easier to organise Jubilee street parties and celebrations this summer, Suffolk County Council has simplified the application process for road closures so that the party atmosphere isn’t dampened by form filing and box ticking.

“There will be no costs for permission to close roads or for road closure and diversions signs. Residents can visit the county council’s website on www.suffolk.gov.uk/streetclosures or call Customer Service Direct on 0845 606 6171.”

n What are you doing to mark the Jubilee? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@ archant.co.uk