The people of Basildon will get the chance to meet the Queen during her historic visit next month.

A detailed itinerary has now been released, revealing Her Majesty's movements during the momentous first visit to the town on Friday March 15.

She will arrive with the Duke of Edinburgh at 1pm, before unveiling a plaque at the Basildon Centre to commemorate the 50th birthday of the New Town.

Among those welcoming her will be Basildon Council's chief executive John Robb and council chairman Bob Sears.

She will then attend a civic luncheon before a visit to a special exhibition on the town's history in the theatre foyer.

The highlight of the tour is expected to be when the couple meet an anticipated large crowd of wellwishers in St Martin's Square.

The newly-erected belltower, the world's first glass and steel belltower, will be unveiled during a short service led by rector Canon Lionel Webber. This will also include a thanksgiving for the town's 50th anniversary.

John Robb said: "There can be no better way to mark the 50th anniversary of the birth of Basildon New Town than for Her Majesty the Queen to visit us.

"It will be a day to look back in tribute to all that has so far been achieved, and to look forward to continuing growth and prosperity across the whole district."

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