Residents across Irvine and Kilwinning are getting set to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations – despite a potential bid for city status for North Ayrshire’s biggest town being scrapped.

With the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth taking place in June, Irvine Old Parish Church intends to commemorate that event at the service on Sunday, June 5.

The local civic organisations, along with the elected councillors of North Ayrshire, the MP and Lord Lieutenant, have been invited to attend and the Kirk Session extends an open invitation to anyone in the community to join with the members of the church at this celebratory service.

David R. Whitelaw said: “Representatives from the Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band will join with our organist in providing the music during the service.

“Following worship, all attending are invited to join in the Big Jubilee Lunch which will be held in the hall and garden. During this lunch, the cherry tree, planted as part of “The Queen’s Green Canopy” project to plant a tree for Jubilee, will receive its plaque.

“On the evening of the 5th June, organist, Sam Prescott, will be holding an organ recital in the church playing music associated with significant royal events. All are welcome and donations will be received for our “Schools Project”.

“Of course, the doors of the church are open every Sunday morning to all who wish to join with the congregation in worship at 11am.”

Ayrshire Lord-Lieutenant Iona MacDonald said: “I am amazed with the positive response that we have had during our consultation and the way that the Jubilee has caught the public imagination.

“I hope that all planned events are successful and that they bring our communities together after we have spent so much time apart due to Covid.

"I would encourage anyone who is not yet involved or is thinking about planning an event to have a look online at www.platinumjubilee.gov.uk where full details on how to become involved are available.

“The Lieutenancy will also be more than willing to assist wherever we can.”