HARLOW is to stage a free one-day Golden Jubilee Spectacular to mark the Queen's 50th anniversary on the throne.o

And the council is offering to help people who want to put on smaller events to mark the occasion.

The news comes as other media reports suggest the anniversary will be a flop with few people interested in staging celebrations.

Council leader Alan Jones said: "We think everyone in Harlow should have the chance to celebrate the Jubilee. We want the jubilee celebrations to bring a great sense of community spirit to the town."

The council event will be in the Town Park on Sunday, September 1, leaving people to organise their own events over the June Jubilee weekend.

Entertainment will include a fireworks or laser show, bungee jumping, the Essex Dog Team and stalls.

Council spokeswoman Ruth Osborn said financial help for other parties would come from neighbourhood incentive budgets with area forums deciding how much would be spent. Six groups have already sought help to organise street parties.

Local people have given a mixed reaction with few looking to throw their own parties, but most saying they would go to the park event.

Sarah Baker, of Ram Gorse, said she was apathetic about the whole thing. And when asked what she would be doing to celebrate said: "Probably not a lot."

As for the proposed 'spectacular' she said: "I don't see why not as long as lots of people turn up. I'd probably go if it was for the whole family."

Bob Snooks, also of Ram Gorse, who described himself as a monarchist, said: "I might put out a Union Jack for the Jubilee". But he felt younger people would not be interested because the monarcy is no longer respected as it once was.

His neighbour Jackie Smith said: "I can take it or leave it," but said she would go to the park on September 1, adding: "It would be nice for the kids."

Louise Harvey and Tracey Watkins, who run the new Timezown After School Club, in Old Harlow, were keen to go to the park event and said they would put on a week-long programme of events for their members.

Miss Watkins hoped the Jubilee may help rekindle a sense of community in the town.

She said: "I remember the last one, it was brilliant. It's a shame the commuity doesn't get together anymore."

Miss Harvey added: "I think it would be nice to do something because it's a once-in-a-lifetime event."

Dan Paffett, who works in the Spurs shop in the Harvey Centre, said he would go on September 1 not to celebrate the jubilee but just to enjoy the event.

Colleague Nick Stone said all the Jubilee meant to him was an extra long weekend in June.