SHOPKEEPERS, businesses and community groups will hold an ox roast this summer to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

The event is a recreation of an ox roast held in Ledbury High Street on June 2, 1953, when the young queen was crowned in Westminster Abbey.

The roast will be held 60 years to the day after the Coronation, on Sunday, June 2.

It is the brainchild of fruit farmer Norman Stanier, who was inspired by seeing an amateur film documentary of the event, and who started to get in touch with other traders and interested parties.

Following months of preparation, a decision was taken to go ahead and an organising committee has been formed.

Spokesman Jan Long said: “An enormous amount of work had already been undertaken. Despite the challenges which lie ahead, such as licensing, stewarding, road closures and health and safety to name but a few, the committee is confident that these obstacles can be overcome.”

Mr Stanier said: “Town councillor and former Mayor Keith Francis had suggested some time ago that Ledbury do something to celebrate the Queen’s Coronation, and what better way than to have an ox roast weekend event which will bring together all the elements of Ledbury tradition and excellence?

“This is really something to look forward to and we hope that the support and enthusiasm of local people will make this an oustanding success – one for the history books.”

A set of carving tools were specially made for the 1952 event and it is hoped they can be used on the day.