VOLUNTEERS have called on the people of Wickford to help a community centre’s 50th birthday celebrations go off with a bang this month.

Wickford Community Centre, in Market Avenue,will have a landmark birthday on Saturday, October 19, and the volunteers that run the centre are planning a day of celebrations.

The centre is still well used in the town, hosting various events, groups, and teams throughout the week.

The centre’s birthdaymarks another milestone for Wickford, with the town’s library, also based in Market Avenue, recently celebrating half a century of existence.

In the days leading up to the big event, there will be an exhibition of the centre, featuring old photos and memorabilia, put together by the Wickford Archive Group.

That will be on show from October 15 to October 19.

On the Saturday, the day will begin at 9am with demonstrations from all the clubs that use the centre, which finishes at 1pm.

From 2pm to 5pm, the centre is hosting a “street party”, which will take place indoors – featuring stalls, food and drinks.

At the same time, there will be a children’s party in the lounge from 2pm to 5pm, with festivities provided by entertainer Jolly Jenny.

In the evening, there will be two events that require tickets, from 8pm to 10.30pm.

There will be a square dance and then adult entertainment will be provided by Fabulous Flow.

Chris Adams, one of the centre’s volunteers, said: “We’re putting up gold bunting and banners at the moment in preparation for the big day.

“To be a successful centre for about 50 years is quite a feat, but we find that some people in Wickford still don’t know that we’re here.”