AN AGE old tradition which has stood the test of time for more than 150 years is still going strong.
The 156th annual Buckley Jubilee takes place next month and hundreds of people are expected to take part in the much-loved celebrations.
The Christian festival, which is the highlight of the Buckley calendar, will see the town’s churches comes together for a procession through the town.
Residents are expected to line the streets waving their flags as the procession, led by the Royal Buckley Town Band, makes it way through the streets.
Organiser David Anglesea, from the jubilee committee, said people come from far and wide to take part in the celebrations.
“The preparations are all in hand, everything is going to plan,” he said.
“The Buckley Jubilee attracts people from all over. It is a procession of Christians, but it’s become a family day too.
“They all turn out for the jubilee and we hope the householders put their flags up outside their houses.”
Mr Anglesea says the festival can thank its simplicity for its longevity.
He added: “It’s a tradition in Buckley when the churches and chapels walk together.
It’s very simple, there’s no fuss about it, which I think is one of the reasons why it’s carried on for so long and obviously we would like to see it carry on for a long time yet.”
Starting proceedings will be a service on Sunday, July 8 at 10.30am at St John’s United Reformed Church.
During the service the centenary shield will be presented to Buckley Cross Methodist Church.
On Tuesday, July 10, Jubilee Day begins with a service on Higher Common at 3pm.
A street procession will follow at 3.15pm led by The Royal Buckley Town Band and the 2247 Squadron ATC band, followed by a family fun day on the common.
This year the street collection will be in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance.
Hymn singing at the Emmanuel Church Bistre on Sunday, July 15 at 8pm will round off the proceedings.
Jubilee history
THE Buckley Jubilee, traditionally held on the second Tuesday in July, was founded in 1857.
It is an institution in which the citizens of Buckley are justly proud.
It is believed the jubilee was initiated by the endeavours of various non-conformists intent on promoting temperance in the community.
To this end a procession was organised to demonstrate unity followed by a field day and gala of games for the children together with food and non-alcoholic drinks.
The Royal Buckley Town Band accompanies the singing at the open-air festival held on Higher Common to begin the event and banners are displayed by individual churches.
The Anglican Sunday Schools joined the Jubilee in 1933 and Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church joined the Jubilee procession in 1970.