By Gillian Ellison

Last updated 16:07, Wednesday, 21 May 2008

GET the flags out – the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are coming to Whitehaven!

ROYAL VISITORS: The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are in Cumbria on June 5

They will be the guests of honour at a special day to mark the 300th anniversary of Whitehaven town and harbour, as well as opening the newly-refurbished Beacon.

It takes place on Thursday, June 5 and Her Majesty is likely to be on the harbourside around 10am.

Thousands of people, including school children, are expected to throng the area and Union Jacks will be handed out to youngsters.

Businesses are being encouraged to decorate their shops with a red, white and blue theme on the day.

Knowing it was going to be a big year for the town, Whitehaven Maritime Festival Company and the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners had been in talks about ways of celebrating the special anniversary.

Among those to apply for a royal visit was Gerard Richardson, chief executive of the Festival Company, who said: “It’s the best piece of news that we could ever have. For Whitehaven it is massive, probably the most fantastic thing that could happen to the town.”

And Copeland Council leader, Elaine Woodburn, said: “The Beacon will be proud to play host to the visitors and it is an excellent opportunity to show off two of Copeland’s biggest assets in both The Beacon and the harbour.”

A big security operation will be in force throughout the visit.

Exact times have still to be confirmed but the Queen will be officially opening the newly-revamped Beacon and given a tour inside. Whitehaven Sea Cadets will be providing a Guard of Honour.

The royal couple will be the guests of honour at the day’s celebrations which will not only mark the 300th anniversary but also mark the links with John Paul Jones and the signing of the pardon finally granted to him in 1999.

There will a short ceremony and parade on the harbourside which will include a Colour Party made up of the Royal Navy and the US Navy, at around 10.45am.

There will be an RAF air show at about 11.20am and negotiations are also taking place with the Hunter Flying Club for a possible display around noon.

Entertaining throughout the day will be street theatre and tall ship, The Zebu, will be docked in the harbour.

There is a possibility that a second vessel may also visit.

Also taking place on the day (1pm) will be the official grand opening of the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners’ new boat building facility by Captain Jeff Miller, US Naval Attache to the UK.

And former harbour master, Captain David Allan, will be judging the Best Dressed Boat competition which, of course, this time will have a patriotic theme.

“About two years ago we wrote to the Lord Lieutenant saying that 2008 was a big year for Whitehaven,” said Gerard.

Over the course of the following months they continued correspondence and then met with the Lord Lieutenant, the Queen’s personal representative in Cumbria, to discuss a possible visit on June 5.

“To actually get a royal visit is tremendous, but to get the Queen, it doesn’t get any better. Whitehaven has won the Lottery!” he said.

Celia MacKenzie, chief executive of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: “Gerard and I were blown away by the news, it really is remarkable and will be great fun on the day.

“It will give such a kick for the town and people need to be reminded just how special this is.

“We, the commissioners, have been moving the harbour on and we are still engaged in moving the harbour on.

“This might just make people sit up and think: why are they coming here? Because it is a wonderful place, that’s why!”

Coun Woodburn, added: “Whitehaven has been at the forefront of Copeland’s industrial heritage and at this significant milestone in the town’s history, having both the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh here will be a big boost to the town and the Copeland community.

“It’s been some time since we have had a royal visit of this significance but I am sure the Queen and the Duke will recognise the major positive changes Whitehaven has gone through and this visit will put the royal seal on Whitehaven being one of the best coastal towns in the country.”

David Abbott, vice chairman of Whitehaven Sea Cadets, said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It is tremendous news, a superb opportunity for the cadets and also a great honour,” he said.

Other events marking the anniversary include the Town Crier competition and a continental market.