DIAMOND Jubilee revellers will get the chance to take a break from the partying to consider the history behind the event.

Fashion buffs in Kirkburton have spent more than 18 months preparing an exhibition of replicas of gowns worn by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Coronation and at her wedding.

The exhibition has been organised by Shirley Lingwood and the dresses have been created by students of three universities as part of their final year projects, under the direction of Shirley’s daughter Carol, who is head of costume at the National Theatre.

Huddersfield University Textiles student Jaki Bogg has been responsible for the embroidered lace decoration of the Queen’s Wedding Dress fabric, while Dorte Kimer from Bournemouth constructed the dress.

Another Bournemouth student, Heather Coad, has created the replica Coronation Robe while University of Glamorgan student Callan Matthews has been working on the two royal gowns from way back in history – those of Princess Charlotte (early 19th century) and Maria de Medici (late 16th century).

The exhibition will also feature a display of wedding dresses loaned by brides of the parish.

The display will feature styles from every decade of the Queen’s reign and dresses from four generations of the same family.

The exhibition at All Hallows Church launches on Friday, June 1 and runs until Tuesday, June 5. It is open from 10am – 4pm each day.

Refreshments, including homemade wedding cake, will be available.