A total of 95 communities in Norfolk are set to come together to enjoy Diamond Jubilee and Olympic celebrations this summer, thanks to funding from Norfolk County Council.

As part of round one of the council's Norfolk Year of Celebrations 2012 Fund, �15,675 has been awarded to 90 events to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and an additional five events to mark the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The money has been split between community groups or organisations, such as town and parish councils, right across Norfolk.

Ian Mackie, deputy leader of the county council, who is overseeing the Jubilee activities, said: 'This is going to be a year to remember for the whole country.

'Norfolk County Council wants to be able to help friends, families, neighbours and communities in Norfolk to come together to create a fantastic atmosphere in which to enjoy each other's company and celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.

'It is fantastic to see that so many communities are planning to use the financial contribution we are making to enable their residents to celebrate this landmark national occasion.

'This level of interest not only reflects Norfolk's close affection for the Queen, but also reflects the strong sense of community spirit in Norfolk – something which we are delighted to help enhance.'

Round two of the fund is now open and communities who have not yet applied for funding need to do so before Friday, April 27.

There is �14,325 remaining for round two of the fund, in which community groups or organisations and town and parish councils can bid for a maximum of �500.

The funding can be used to mark either the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Weekend (which runs from June 2 to 5), the Olympic Torch being run through Norfolk as part of the London 2012 Torch Relay (July 4 and 5), the Paralympic Torch Festival (August 28 and 29), the final weekend of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad (September 8 and 9) or the Tour of Britain cycle race on Sunday, September 9.

In an effort to ensure that the council can provide funding for as many celebrations as possible, the majority of awards have been in the �100 to �300 range and the county council anticipates continuing this approach into round two.

Barry Stone, the county council's cabinet member for cultural services, added: 'With the respective Norfolk routes for the Olympic Torch Relay and the Tour of Britain now in the public arena, I'm sure we will see an increase in the number of applications for funding for related community events in Round Two.'

- An application form and further details can be found at www.norfolk.gov.uk/events2012.

- Road closure applications for more than 30 street parties taking place across Norfolk to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee have already been processed by the county council. The cost of closing streets and roads has been set at �36. For more information about organising a street party, or an application form, go to www.norfolk.gov.uk/diamondjubilee, email streetworks@norfolk.gov.uk or call 0344 800 8009. Norwich City Council is processing the applications for street parties within the city boundary.

- Be sure to pick up the next EDP Diamond Jubilee supplement, on Tuesday, April 17.

david.freezer@archant.co.uk