Get your teeth into the Big Jubilee Lunch

Sunderland will be celebrating in style, with plans for an exciting day to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee now underway.

Mowbray Park will be transformed on Sunday 5 June and will be making its own contribution to The Big Jubilee Lunch, a nationwide initiative to bring communities together.

And the hope is now that the free event will see people turn out in force and really make it a day to remember - and also encourage those who live alone or elderly people who may not get out often - to turn up.

The Sunderland event - a joint initiative between Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council - will see a whole host of family friendly activities taking place in the park from 11am to 4pm.

An outdoor cinema will screen a number of movies on a royal theme, including The Queen's Corgi, Royal Night Out and Downton Abbey.

A kids sports club will operate during the day, as will a number of special events including circus performers and circus skills workshops, crown making and even learning how to faint like a princess.

Music will be provided by a range of local buskers and popular band, Back Chat Brass, and there will also be a number of food vendors available, with space for picnics if people want to bring their own.

And anyone worried about over indulging will also have the opportunity to burn off a few calories with a silent disco-style clubbercise, Zumba and cardio blast sessions suitable for people of all ages.

A range of garden games will also be set up for the day, creating a real English country fete atmosphere.

The activities are also being supported by Cultural Spring, Sunderland Culture and Gentoo, which are working together to engage older people in the hope that they will take part in the event.

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, hopes that people will come along and enjoy the day.

"Groups and communities across the UK will be involved in their own versions of The Big Jubilee Lunch on 5 June and we wanted to make sure that Sunderland plays its part," she said.

"This is a once in a lifetime event and we've created a real family friendly programme with something for everyone to enjoy.

"We also want to encourage any older people who may live alone or who don't get out as often as they like to come along and take part in all of the activities."

Patrick Melia, Chief Executive at Sunderland City Council, echoed Sharon's words.

"A platinum anniversary is an incredible achievement which absolutely deserves a proper celebration," he said.

"We know people across the city will want to join together to mark the Queen's special day and we are delighted to have worked with the BID to put together this exciting programme which everyone can be part of."