The LA7 North East Combined Authority (NECA) have urged residents across the North East to enjoy the four-day bank holiday weekend, as Queen Elizabeth II marks her 70-year anniversary on the throne of the United Kingdom.
The Queen ascended to the throne in 1952, following the death of her father King George VI - and is the longest reigning leader over Great Britain since the formation of the UK monarchy in 1603.
To mark the monumental Platinum Jubilee - many around the country are expected to host street parties and attend family friendly events from today onwards, paying their respects to Queen Elizabeth II and her reign, with many of these events taking place in the North East.
Read more: Queen's Jubilee LIVE: Celebrations begin across country to mark 70 year reign
As a result, the LA7 which made up of each of the region's council leaders, issued a statement earlier this week - wishing all residents well, and asking them to make the most of the various get togethers should they wish to.
The statement reads: "The Queen's Platinum Jubilee is a landmark occasion for our country as Her Majesty celebrates 70 years as monarch.
"Up and down the country, people will be coming together to celebrate with street parties, community events, and with friends and families. The North East will be no different.
"Our cities, towns, and villages are keen to celebrate this historic moment, and we want everyone to enjoy the extended bank holiday.
"We know that whenever big celebrations come around, the overwhelming majority of people are considerate of others around them. However, a small minority can have a big impact and potentially prevent others from enjoying themselves during a once-in-a-lifetime event such as this."
North East council leaders also urged those celebrating the bank holiday weekend to be mindful of those who are not and to prevent anti-social behaviour wherever possible over the course of the weekend.
The statement continues: "Please be mindful of others in whatever it is you're doing, whether it's while using the public transport network to travel to and from an event in the region or making sure your local community's street party passes without incident.
"Our Emergency Services will be working closely with communities to keep us all safe, and it is important that they are not placed under any more pressure. If you do see or hear of any anti-social behaviour or criminal activity, please report it.
"Of course, not everybody will be celebrating the Jubilee, and will have other plans for the extended Bank Holiday weekend. Whatever it is you're doing, be respectful of others around you and those working to keep us safe.
"Never before has a Monarch presided over our nation for 70 years, and we know this milestone is an occasion that will mean a great deal to so many in our region. Let's all come together to celebrate safely, and ensure the Queen's Platinum Jubilee leaves nothing but positive memories for us all to enjoy."
The LA7 is made up of:
Cllr Amanda Hopgood - Leader of Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon - Leader of Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Kemp - Leader of Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE - Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson - Leader of Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon - Leader of South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller - Leader of Sunderland City Council
Jamie Driscoll - North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness - Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
What are you doing to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee?
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