Throughout the four days of celebrations the staff worked tirelessly day and night to put on a series of occasions fit to mark the historic occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The grounds were immaculately presented and decorated with bunting and plenty of Union Jacks. The giant outdoor screen provided by TCW Engineering and Wiredwood ensured that visitors throughout the four days were able to watch every minute of the wonderful scenes from London and the rest of the country.
On the Thursday evening Pat Parkhurst arranged for the 4th Pembroke and Lamphey Scouts and Cubs to carry a torch to the Castle Gatehouse balcony, where Noah Pooley handed the torch to Pembroke’s Mayor, Dennis Evans. Neil Thomas roused the crowd into a loud countdown and the Mayor lit the beacon to huge applause. The Castle Kitchen team and Pembrokeshire Cider Company kept everybody fed and in good spirits throughout.
The fine weather on the Friday saw huge crowds gather to watch the Service of Thanksgiving, followed by a special screening of Disney’s Encanto and then in the evening the film that was made in Pembroke, Me Before You. Between all of this the Swinging Nettles entertained the party goers.
Despite heavy downpours on the Saturday and Sunday, some brave and very enthusiastic visitors enjoyed the Epsom Derby, the Platinum Party Concert and Sunday’s Parade.
Castle Manager Jon Williams stated “our thanks go to all of the staff, volunteers, organisations and contractors who came together to make the weekend work.”