Organisers estimate that up to 25,000 people came to Hereford to see The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visit the county as part of their diamond jubilee tour of the UK.

“It was a most amazing day,” said Lady Darnley, the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire. “We expected around 20,000 people to turn out to cheer The Queen, but we feel we have certainly surpassed this figure,” she added.

Park and ride buses only had standing room and crowds 12 deep greeted The Queen when she arrived on the King George V playing fields for Herefordshire Diamond Day.

“The sun shone and crowds of well-wishers gave The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh a rousing Herefordshire welcome.

“They loved the parade and pageant we presented and thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from all corners of Herefordshire and from all walks of life in the marquees representing communities across Herefordshire.

“It was a lovely day which brought people together to celebrate something we all share – a love for The Queen and a love for our beautiful county.

“The displays in the marquees were a celebration of Herefordshire’s rich diversity and the entertainment reflected skills and talents of all ages and styles.

“Of course, an event on this scale couldn’t happen without a team of workers and I’d like to publicly thank all those who have given time and effort to make the day the success it has been, and I particularly want to thank all those businesses, both large and small, which have contributed financially to the event which meant the costs of Herefordshire Diamond Day were covered entirely by their sponsorship.

“It has been a truly amazing day which will stay in the minds of local people for many years to come, and the warmth of which touched the hearts of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.

“It was a real community effort and I’d like to thank everyone who took part for making it such a sparkling success.”

During their time in the county they will officially declare the restored Cathedral Close open, be welcomed to the King George V playing fields by a choir of a thousand local voices, meet representatives from all corners of the county, shake hands with volunteers and meet the crew of the Wye Trow which took part in the Thames Pageant.

“We’re privileged to have The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visit the county as part of their tour of the UK to mark the Diamond Jubilee,” said Lady Darnley, the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, who will welcome the Royal visitors.

“We want to make their time in the county very special and I know that they’re going to get a real taste of Herefordshire as we have some very exciting displays and performances lined up,” she added.

For those wanting to see The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, there will be plenty of opportunities as the Royal train arrives in Hereford at 10am before the Royal visitors travel by car along Commercial Road before crossing into Commercial Street and passing the black and white house in High Town.

Their car will then travel along High Street and turn into Broad Street before arriving at Hereford Cathedral 15 minutes later (10.15am) where The Queen will unveil a plaque officially declaring the new Cathedral Close open.

They will then travel to the King George V playing fields, arriving there at 10.40am where they will be greeted by a parade of entertainers before visiting marquees representing various corners of the county.

“It’s a real honour to be able to welcome The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to Hereford on such a special occasion. I know that we will give them a really warm and enthusiastic welcome,” added Lady Darnley.

With more than 20,000 visitors expected to visit Herefordshire Diamond Day, special traffic arrangements are being put into place with extra car parks being laid on. Further details will be published in local newspapers.

For full details of these traffic arrangements and a rundown of the entertainment programme on the King George V playing field, visit www.herefordshirediamondday.co.uk.

Herefordshire Diamond Day – timetable

10am Royal train arrives at Hereford train station – received by Lady Darnley, Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire who will present various dignitaries

The Royal party leaves the train station by car

10.15am The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arrive at Cathedral Close – received by The Right Rev Anthony Priddis, Bishop of Hereford, and the The Very Rev Michael Tavinor, Dean of Hereford, who will present senior cathedral staff followed by viewing of Cathedral project master plans

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will meet key players involved in the Cathedral Close work

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will move to West End pavement to reveal a plaque, sign the visitors’ book and receive a gift

10.35am The Royal party leaves the cathedral by car

10.40am Arrive at King George V playing fields. Robert Tabor, chairman of Wye Trow project and members of the Trow crew, are presented to The Queen

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh view parade

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visit marquees representing various corners of the county

Members of faith groups in Herefordshire are presented to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh

The Lord-Lieutenant presents representatives of voluntary organisations

11.15am The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh depart by car

As well as local soldiers for people to talk to, the Army will provide kit for young people to enjoy.

This will include an inflatable assault course where youngsters can test their fitness climbing over and under obstacles, a paintball range, a rolling rock climbing wall and a caravan full of information on job opportunities with the Regular and Territorial Army.

WO2 Gary Southall, of the Army Careers Office in Hereford, said: “There will be a team of soldiers that young people can chat to about their experiences as well as a wide range of activities which are very enjoyable to have a go at. They are all activities which potential recruits try out to see if the Army is for them.

“We hope it all adds to the enjoyment of the day for visitors young and old.”

Packed with photographs and reports of previous royal visits along with dozens of images of yesteryear in the county, the guide also includes a running order for Herefordshire Diamond Day, July 11.

The 72-page guides cost £2 and are available from Herefordshire Council offices and county libraries. They will also be available on July 11 at Herefordshire Diamond Day.

“If you’re interested in previous royal visits, then the guide is a ‘must have’,” said Lady Darnley, the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, who will be welcoming The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to the county next week.

“It will be a lovely reminder of the day which not only focuses on what’s happening on July 11, but also looks back at Herefordshire over the last six decades including features on all our market towns and articles on the arts, education, farming and sport.

“It’s been a thrill to watch the souvenir guide come together and I’d like to pay tribute to those who have contributed words and pictures.

“It’s a fitting tribute to a momentous occasion.”

Free park and ride from the north and south of city will be in operation from 7am until 5.30pm, and a number of “Park and Stride” car parks – where motorists can park for free and walk to the playing fields – will be in operation during the day.

“This is the biggest event in Herefordshire this year and, judging by the enthusiasm of the Olympic Torch passing through the county and the celebrations that took place over the Diamond Jubilee weekend, we expecting a bumper crowd for this event,” said Mike Smart, one of the organisers of Herefordshire Diamond Day.

“We’ve been working very closely with Herefordshire Council and the police to make sure no-one will be excluded, with disabled parking for those with Blue Badges at the nearby Wye Street car park and we’ve arranged for a company to provide power scooters for hire for the event,” he added.

The powered scooters and wheelchairs can be pre-booked from the event mobility company via www.eventmobility.org.uk or by ringing 01386 725391.

Those attending the event from the north of the city should head for Hereford Racecourse from where the northern park and ride will operate.

Cars can be parked for free and the journey into the city centre (drop off outside the Shirehall) is also free. Buses will be picking up every five minutes.

Those approaching Hereford from the south of the city should head for the Rotherwas industrial estate and follow the signs to Netherwood Link road, off Holme Lacy Road, where they will also be able to park and ride for free with buses leaving every five minutes.

For those who are prepared to walk a short distance to the event, two free “Park and Stride” car parks have been set up.

The first is on Plough Lane, off Whitecross Road – motorists should look out for signs – and the second is located at the Rugby Club and Rowing Club, off Barton Road, Broomy Hill, which will also be signposted.

“We all know how busy Hereford can get, so we hope people will take advantage of our Park and Ride and Park and Stride facilities on the day. However, an event of this nature is bound to have an effect on traffic in the city so despite all the work we can do to minimise traffic, we’d advise motorists to avoid the centre of Hereford if at all possible on Wednesday, July 11,” added Mike.

As Wye Street car park will be used by disabled drivers, it will not be available to the public. St Martin’s car park will also not be available on the day as it is being used for Emergency Service and other event vehicles. All other Car Parks will be operating as normal.

Both have been honoured for what has been described as “selfless” community work and are due to be among a group of winners who will receive special Diamond Day Awards from the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Lady Darnley, on King George V Playing Fields next Wednesday, July 11.

Elizabeth Francis, who is in her 80s, has made a major contribution to village life in Dorstone. She’s been the village postmistress, is a key member of her local church, acts as a local genealogist, village hall manager and, very importantly, is a celebrated scone maker.

Meanwhile, Joan Lloyd, who comes from Bullingham, has been delivering meals on wheels for twenty-seven years. Joan celebrated her 91st birthday last month and friends say her enthusiasm and optimism are boundless.

Jo Hilditch, who has overseen the Diamond Day Award nominations, said: “To be honest, the stories of the selfless and tireless efforts of these ladies and other candidates brought a tear to my eye. It’s been a very humbling experience overseeing this project.”

The Diamond Day Awards cover a wide range of nominations including; excellence in sport, business, farming and agriculture, the arts, music and food and drink.

Joan and Elizabeth appeared in the Pride of Herefordshire and Excellence in the voluntary sector categories.

As with any major event in Hereford, traffic is likely to build up and could cause tailbacks around the city centre.

Motorists are being advised that parking on the playing fields and the two adjacent public car parks will not be possible on the day except for authorised vehicles.

Mike Smart, from the event organising committee, said: “We’re working very closely with the police, the council and local bus companies to make it as safe and easy as possible for thousands of people to get onto the King George V Playing Field.”

He emphasised that the best way to get to the event was to walk if possible. “We’re strongly advising those people who live within walking distance of the event to come on foot. It will be quicker, healthier and with thousands of people heading for the event, there should be a great atmosphere to soak up on the way.”

He also suggested that using normal public transport would be a good way of getting into Hereford without having to worry about parking.

For those arriving by car from further afield across the county, Mike suggested they could consider teaming up with friends, family members and neighbours to car share to reduce the amount of traffic in the city centre.

“We are arranging extra car parking for the day which will be in addition to the normal car parks other than St Martin’s and Wye Street Car Park. Herefordshire Council is working with us to ensure extra parking is available within walking distance of the site.

“The council is also arranging Park and Ride services from sites in Rotherwas and from the car park at Hereford racecourse. The Park and Ride arrangements will be free to users,” said Mike.

Buses from the Park and Ride sites will bring visitors either into the city centre (from the north) or directly to the playing field (from the south).

“Full details and timetables are being finalised and will be available well before the event. Asda has also very kindly made the car park at the side of its store available for dropping off visitors who can then walk through the underpass under the A49 to bring them to the playing field area,” he added.

For drivers with a disability who have a valid Blue Badge, parking will be available at Wye Street car park.

Powered scooters and wheelchairs will also be available for hire. They can be pre-booked from the event mobility company via www.eventmobility.org.uk or by ringing 01386 725391.
There will also be a limited number of disabled parking spaces available on the playing field itself.

For all those intending to come to Hereford on July 11, Mike added that they need to allow extra time for the journey on the day.

“An early start is my best advice,” he said. “If you’ve got an alternative route to work or to the shops which avoids the city centre, please use it to avoid adding to the congestion”.

A 1,000-strong community choir accompanied by a 90-piece concert band are set to welcome the royal visitors on Wednesday, July 11.

The serenade will begin with a solitary dancer from the RNCB. As the tableau builds, he will be joined by dancers from around the county.

The cast will grow as they are joined by cheerleaders, Hop Pocket runners, Westons Dray, town criers, Ryelands sheep and a Hereford Bull.

As an added surprise, the tableau will also include an appearance by Mom Mome – the county’s famous Grand National winner.

The serenade will culminate in a special 60-second salute to The Queen which everyone on the King George V playing fields will be encouraged to join in with and will include words reflecting the The Queen’s 60-year reign which have been suggested by county people.

Arena director, Chris Barltrop, said: “The serenade will be memorable for all those taking part and we hope our Royal visitors will feel the warmth of Herefordshire’s welcome.”

With the sensational turnout and massive show of enthusiasm for all Jubilee events so far, and huge support for the Olympic Torch Relay, organisers are looking forward to a bumper turnout on Wednesday, July 11.

Organiser Mike Smart said: “With the fantastic interest in the Diamond Jubilee, we’re expecting that the people of Herefordshire will turn out in force to support the event on July 11.

“A Diamond Jubilee is a once-in-a-lifetime event and we’re going to make it a day to remember for everyone and having Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh coming to Hereford is a fantastic honour”.

Finishing touches are being made to the day’s attractions – the theme of the day is to celebrate all that is good and great about Herefordshire and will include performances by dancers, musicians and choirs from all over the county.

One star attraction will be the Wye Trow, the 36ft replica working boat which took part in the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant on the Thames earlier this month.

Visitors will be able to see the boat up close and personal and talk to members of the crew about their experiences at the Pageant.

The prestigious awards will be presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Lady Darnley, to those who have been judged to have made noteworthy contributions to a range of activities in their communities during the last 60 years.

“There are some amazing people that live in Herefordshire – this ceremony will be the time for us to celebrate them and show our gratitude for all they have done,” said Lady Darnley.

“They’ve come from all walks of life and have made huge contributions to their local communities over many years without seeking any recognition for their endeavours.

“It will be a great honour to present them with their Diamond Day awards and ensure they receive some recognition as we celebrate their success,” added Lady Darnley.

The award winners have been selected from the following nine areas: Sports, the voluntary sector, care in the community, business, farming, food, tourism, arts and education/young people.

In each of these sectors, the Diamond Awards will be presented to those who have been judged to be best of the best over many years using award schemes already in existence, including the Herefordshire voluntary awards, Pride of Herefordshire, Chamber of Commerce awards, Flavours of Herefordshire, Elgar Music Awards and Apprentice of the Year.

“The standard has been extremely high and it’s a shame we can’t give them all awards and the recognition they deserve,” said Jo Hilditch, chairman of the Herefordshire branch of the CLA, who has co-ordinated the award scheme.

“Many toil quietly in the background day after day making life better for others without any reward, other than the satisfaction of knowing others are benefiting from their hard work and dedication,” added Jo.

A voting panel, including Lady Darnley, has selected three Diamond Award winners from each sector. The award winners are in the process of being notified and further details will follow in a week or so once they have all been informed.

They will receive their awards from Lady Darnley during a ceremony on the King George V playing fields on Herefordshire Diamond Day.