IT’S a unique celebration dating back at least 115 years.

And now Bicester’s unusual tradition of anvil firing is to take centre stage again this year.

Blasting off the Diamond Jubilee weekend on Saturday, June 2, the tradition involves hitting an anvil that has been charged with gun powder.

Bob Hessian, chairman of Bicester Local History Society, will fire the anvil – which was last blasted in Bicester for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.

He said: “It’s a tradition for a jubilee and coronation and used to take place in the Market Square. I have been experimenting with an anvil I have at home, and have had a modicum of success.”

Because he will use gun powder, Mr Hessian has had to apply for an explosives license.

As well as the anvil firing, a huge street party is planned in Sheep Street, with a beer festival, fireworks, civic parade and carnival all to take place during the bank holiday weekend of June 2 to 5.

A 10-strong core committee has been busy behind the scenes since last August organising a host of events designed to appeal to everyone in the town.

Chairman of the Bicester Jubilee Steering Group Jason Slaymaker said: “It’s about bringing the community together and creating as many celebratory events as possible for the people of Bicester to have fun.”

On the Saturday there will be a beer festival and fireworks display in Garth Park.

On Sunday, the town’s civic service and parade will take place followed by the planting of six trees planted in Sheep Street, commemorating each of the six decades the Queen has been on the throne.

Then chairs and tables, borrowed from Bicester Garrison, will be set up the length of Sheep Street, and people will be invited to bring a picnic and join a big lunch.

Bicester’s Carnival has been moved from its usual July spot and will take place on the bank holiday Monday. It will have a jubilee theme, and a jubilee beacon will be lit in the town that evening at 10.30pm.