THE 90TH BIRTHDAY celebrations for HM the Queen being planned in Moray may not be on the grand scale witnessed on Sunday evening at Winsor – but they will be every bit as affectionate.
Certainly the one being prepared in Forres will provide a lot of fun for all ages, a right royal knees-up in the street party style hosted by a local garden centre.
Bunting, balloons and music through the ages is being planned alongside games and, naturally, a high-tea fit for a Queen. Planning the entire event is Peter Wilson, owner of the MacKenzie and Cruickshank, who has his team hard at work preparing the potting shed and coffee shop for the June 12 celebration.
Peter said: “This is the first time ever we have closed the coffee shop on a Sunday to host this style of party – but we wanted to do something special to mark our sovereign turning 90, and what better way than with an indoor street party.
“We hope our regulars get into the spirit and pop along on the day. It is going to be decked out in red, white and blue and no doubt our kitchen staff will be able to create a fabulous birthday cake so we can toast the Queen on this special day.
“We are really going to town with it and our guests are going to have a ball with fine food, fun and games, music and a commemorative mug and book. The event is open to anyone, but it’s important they book as we have limited capacity.”
The celebration is being held on the same day that the Queen will join 10,000 guests at a massive street party on The Mall in London – so she is not likely to pop in for a quick cuppa in Forres.
Mr Wilson said: “We don’t have space the same size as the Mall, but I think our celebrations will give the ones in London a run for their money.”
Tickets for the party can be booked by visiting Mackenzie and Cruickshank.