Golden Jubilee Parade set down for Friday

A parade to commemorate the Queen’s fiftieth year since accession to the throne is scheduled for this Friday in Auckland and is to commence in Queen Elizabeth Square at noon.

The last Golden Jubilee celebration was during the Queen Victoria era in 1887.

The armed forces and New Zealand Police with dogs and handlers will mark the golden jubilee anniversary by parading in full military regalia - including Queen’s colours. They will be greeted and inspected in Queen Street by the Governor General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, and his worship the Mayor of Auckland, John Banks.

Parade organiser Elaine Prior, of Auckland City Council, says: ”This is a significant occasion in the monarch’s reign and all Aucklanders are encouraged to come into the city, line Queen Street and enjoy the event. Free public seating is available on Queen Street outside the Town Hall to watch the review of the parade”.

The armed forces will have display marquees located in Aotea Square and the air force will land and put on view a Seasprite helicopter from early morning.

The parade will follow a route from Queen Elizabeth Square up Queen Street to the review opposite the Town Hall.

At the conclusion of ceremonies the parade will retire up Queen Street, turn right into Mayoral Drive, right wheel at Greys Avenue and march back along Mayoral Drive.

It will then turn on to Queen Street pass the dais and continue down Queen Street turning left into Wellesley Street West and left on to Mayoral Drive.

Following the ceremony of “Casing the Queen’s Colours” the parade will then disperse at the rear of Aotea Centre.

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