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The UK will celebrate a unique milestone in our history next month to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and Queen Elizabeth II will officially become the first British Monarch to serve for 70 years. Although the anniversary for the Platinum Jubilee officially falls on 6th February, the celebrations are scheduled for the first week of June, with the hope that the summer will bring better weather, and the main official events to celebrate the Jubilee are scheduled to take place between Thursday 2nd and Sunday 5th June.
There will be an additional one-off bank holiday on 3rd June, plus the spring bank holiday which ordinarily falls in late May will be moved to 2nd June, creating a four-day weekend. Brits are set to make the most of the extra time off work to enjoy a national celebration with street parties and afternoon-tea parties galore. There are also a range of organised events to attend, from royal jousting at Hampton Court Palace, to champagne cruises on the Thames and horse racing at Epsom. To give you a taste for what is on offer, we’ve put together our favourite ten options from across the UK.
1. The Platinum Jubilee Celebration
The Royal Festival Hall – 4th June
Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the magnificent combined sound of the Royal Choral Society and the Bach Choir along with a distinguished line-up of soloists for a glorious concert of majestic music celebrating 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign.
2. Jurassic Area Wild Swimmers
Beach Tea Party – 5th June
Ideal for those who live in the southwest, why not join friends down at Seaton Beach in East Devon to have a tea party on the beach! For locals who live alone or who are unable to have a street party, this is a great option for those who live close to the area.
3. Beacon Lighting Ceremonies
2nd June
More than 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and UK overseas territories, and one in each of the capital cities of Commonwealth countries. These will be lit at 9.45 pm including the mothership at Buckingham Palace. You can get involved with your own beacon, and there’s even a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Tart recipe you can make.
4. Platinum Jubilee Concert
Birmingham Symphony Hall – 2nd June
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will perform a selection of works from throughout the Queen’s reign, that is set to be as rich and varied as her remarkable life. The repertoire for the evening includes music from the coronation, works dedicated to the Queen and HRH The Princess Margaret, music from across the Commonwealth, personal favourites of her majesty (My Fair Lady), and even bagpipes.
5. Jubilee Joust
Hampton Court Palace – 1st-5th June
If medieval pomp is your thing, head to Hampton Court Palace to see one of King Henry VIII’s favourite sporting activities. For five days, knights from around the country will joust to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with the overall champion announced on the final day.
6. Fit for a Queen Weekend
Manchester City Centre – 4th June
Head to Sackville Gardens in Manchester City Centre to celebrate with some of the biggest names in pop from the 90’s and 00’s including the Vengaboys, Cascade, Atomic Kitten and The Cheeky Girls. It’s set to be the perfect excuse to become a dancing queen and celebrate the jubilee. £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Friends of Sackville Gardens Association.
7. The Cazoo Derby
Epsom Downs – 4th June
Get your hats on and head over to the famous Epsom Racecourse for a special day of horse racing that the Queen will be attending together with members of the Royal Family. You can book in advance below.
8. Tower of London Superbloom
1st June-18th September 2022
This immersive floral spectacular will see visitors enter the medieval moat and be transported through a field of blooms around the famous fortress in celebration of HM The Queen’s 70 years on the throne. Opening on 1st June and running until mid-September, experience over 20 million seeds erupting into an explosion of colour. Wander along weaving paths among the flowers enjoying a specially commissioned soundscape, with sculptural elements to make you feel at home amidst the bees and butterflies.
9. Champagne Afternoon Tea Cruise
3-5th June
Join City Cruises to indulge in a delectable menu of savoury and sweet treats, inspired by British royals past and present, as you cruise at a leisurely pace along the River Thames. Take in London’s famous historic riverside sights including the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London whilst enjoying a bespoke royal commentary from an expert guide, and raise a glass of champagne to her majesty.
10. The Big Jubilee Lunch
For those who want to celebrate at home, there’s a big nationwide push for local communities to hold their own street parties, under the umbrella of ‘The Big Jubilee Lunch’. It is expected that 12 million people and 200,000 lunch gatherings will take place. This website has lots of ideas to help if you want to try to hold something in your own street or area.