There will be street parties, festivals and picnics galore across the UK when the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is celebrated over a long weekend from 2-5 June.
The whole of Britain will get a chance to join in the fun during the one-off four-day bank holiday. Here we pick out some of the biggest events, festivals and celebrations taking place.
1. Superbloom at the Tower of London
1 June to 18 September: Tower of London, London
A spectacular, colourful, vibrant field of flowers will fill the Tower’s moat. Once the jaunt of royals and home to the crown jewels, the specially commissioned installation has been designed to attract pollinators. “Superbloom” will bring a spectacular, ever-changing, natural beauty to the urban space and introduce a new biodiverse habitat for wildlife.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
2. Exhibition: Presence by Rob Munday at 45 Park Lane
Platinum Queen: Felicity by Rob Munday
(Image credit: David Parry / PA Wire)
Until 20 June: 45 Park Lane, London
Rob Munday, one of the world’s leading holographic artists, has unveiled his latest exhibition at 45 Park Lane hotel in London – including an intimate portrait of Her Majesty The Queen to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. The new portrait, which shows The Queen off-guard and smiling is named Platinum Queen: Felicity and is dedicated to the 20 years of friendship between The Queen and her personal assistant and close friend Miss Angela Kelly. This work is part of Munday’s Presence exhibition – a solo exhibition of light sculptures focusing on the themes of entity, reality and the essence of existence.
Fridays and Saturdays until 25 June: City of London
Join City Guides on a guided walking tour through the City of London to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee year of Queen Elizabeth. Discover the trials and tribulations, pomp and celebrations of the kings, queens, princes and princesses who have left their mark on the City of London over the centuries. From events that everyone still talks about, to royal organisations that have been saving lives for 500 years and tales of royal treasures, the City has it all. Tours start from the City Information Centre at 2pm and end near the Tower of London.
4. Exhibition: Her Majesty The Queen at Sandringham
Until 13 October: Sandringham, Norfolk
This year’s special exhibition at Sandringham – Her Majesty The Queen at Sandringham: An Exemplary Reign and a Unique Country House – will showcase The Queen and the Royal Family’s affection for the much-loved country retreat.
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in east Yorkshire with chivalrous knights and musical monarchs at Riotous Royals, an outdoor performance walk hosted by larger-than-life characters. A Rusticus Adventure featuring plenty of silly interaction and off-the-wall activities, it will be staged at Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington, on 1 June and Sewerby Hall and Gardens on 2 June.
6. Jubilee Joust at Hampton Court Palace
(Image credit: Guy Corbishley/Alamy Stock Photo)
1-5 June: Hampton Court, London
Experience the sport of kings as knights from around the country joust to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Visitors can choose a favourite knight and cheer them on as they compete for the coveted Jubilee Cup. Pomp, ceremony and splendour will reign supreme, as this family-friendly event takes place in the spectacular Hampton Court Palace gardens.
London’s Covent Garden will provide visitors with the royal treatment, kicking off the month of June with a bank holiday celebration for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Great Piazza Party on the iconic piazza will include the best of British dishes served from different Feast It street food vendors, as well as an Aperol pop-up bar. Throughout the weekend the estate will also be resplendent in traditional British decorations, Union Flag-themed bunting and swing seats, as well as red, white and blue floral arches.
On Thursday there will be a nationwide beacon lighting event across the UK. The Lake District will become #TheLightDistrict with buildings lit up in locations such as Kendal, Ulverston, Kirkby Lonsdale and Grasmere. There will also be a lighting ceremony outside Carlisle Castle.
Birmingham’s Symphony Hall will host a memorable musical and artistic journey through time. The concert will showcase a collection of the greatest compositional works and performance pieces created within the Queen’s 70-year reign, whilst embracing modern-day arts and culture. Through an array of artforms and expressions of creativity, the event will represent the outstanding diversity of both the Commonwealth and of the West Midlands. Tickets from £13-£55.
Stairway music bar in Biggleswade will kick off its bank holiday weekend of events with a very special (and fitting) show from Queenergy, the soundalike tribute to iconic rock band Queen. Attendees can expect big guitars, operatic vocals, lush harmonies and all of the classic things that made Queen one of the biggest rock bands of all time. Tickets from £5 per person.
11. The Great British Outdoor Picnic at Lincoln Castle
2-5 June: Lincoln
Across Lincoln’s green spaces, including the grounds of the historic castle, visitors are invited to celebrate the jubilee with a Lincolnshire picnic between Thursday 2 June and Sunday 5 June. With live music, delicious regional food, and family fun activities, the event is perfect for all ages to celebrate the long weekend. The castle grounds are free to enjoy over the bank holiday and will be decorated in celebratory colours. The picnic marks the beginning of Lincoln Castle’s summer season.
Described as “a most rambunctious garden fête”, The Great Estate is a boutique, family festival held within the grounds of Scorrier House in Cornwall. For the four-day “jubilee extravaganza” there will be an increased capacity of 10,000 guests, who will be treated to a music line-up including Manic Street Preachers, Electric Six, and The Sugarhill Gang. To celebrate the Queen’s milestone year, there will be a world record attempt of the most people wearing paper crowns, plus a festival-wide royal themed fancy dress competition and royal garden games.
At its food festival in Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace will showcase local and national produce while well-known celebrity chefs host live demonstrations and Q&As. Stallholders will serve up a range of artisan treats and homemade delights, and there will also be craft beers, cocktails and mocktails on the drinks menu. Family activities, a picnic area and entertainment feature throughout the weekend. Tickets are required.
The Dilly hotel in Piccadilly, London, is offering branded Dilly bicycles to guests over the jubilee weekend, including a bespoke picnic basket to be enjoyed at local parks such as Green Park or Hyde Park. From £40 per person.
City Cruises will host 90-minute themed cruises with a Queen quiz as passengers take in the stunning riverside of the city of York. Expect royal decorations, a scrumptious afternoon tea with complementary fizz and a York Gin gift set worth £18.
Visitors to London’s Carnaby area can enjoy a line-up of fun jubilee-inspired activations throughout the weekend. There will be live music performances from a strolling brass band, glitter makeovers fit for a queen, cupcake giveaways with Crumbs & Doilies and a jubilee-themed snow cone giveaway with Kua’ Aina. The new “Carnaby Jubilee 2022” arches sit alongside a shiny new crown installation which glitters above the Union Flag on the junction of Carnaby Street and Ganton Street. Kingly Street, Newburgh Street and Foubert’s Place festoon lights, along with the giant bulbs on Ganton Street, will be illuminated in red, white and blue in honour of the festivities.
The Seven Dials jubilee celebrations will take over the seven streets of the West End neighbourhood in London. Visitors can expect four days of events, activities, entertainment and bespoke menus that celebrate all things 1950s, the decade of the Queen’s coronation. Ticket holders can enjoy a range of events including flower crown making, royal afternoon teas, a burlesque class and 1950s treats, and on-street entertainment.
Coworth Park near Ascot will be hosting four days of events to mark the Queen’s jubilee celebrations. During the royal weekend guests can enjoy country pursuits in the Lime Grove, croquet and games on the lawn with Pimms and lemonade served at the lawn bar, screenings of official jubilee events and a beacon ceremony on the top terrace. The festivities will end with a big lunch street party in the Lime Grove on Sunday.
It’s not just street parties and afternoon teas taking place over the jubilee weekend. Horse racing fans can also enjoy two days of pageantry with The Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey. Ladies Day will be held on Friday 3 June followed by Derby Day on Saturday 4 June.
On 4 June Wembley Park will host an all-day festival to celebrate the Queen’s jubilee. Free to attend and for all ages, the event will see live acts, DJs and dance leaders performing on five stages, while dedicated family zones and street food will also feature. The main stage will be located in front of the new Olympic Steps, entrance to the iconic Wembley Stadium. Additional stages will be spread across Olympic Way.
Gates open at 11 Arches for one of the largest street parties in the country. The afternoon begins with the latest original show Fina and The Golden Cape; an exciting tale of revenge, ambition, magic and bravery. The show will be followed by live music on the lake before guests enjoy a giant street party. There will be seating for up to 2,500 people outside and in the Arches Hall. At 9.30pm the evening will culminate with a light and water show and celebratory firework display.
22. Bluebird Chelsea’s Queen’s Jubilee Street Party
Saturday 4 June: Bluebird Chelsea, London
Bluebird Chelsea restaurant and bar in London will undergo a royal makeover to mark the jubilee. Step into high society at Bluebird’s terrace, which will transform into a floral haven with a giant teacup installation. Bluebird will throw the ultimate street party on Saturday 4 June, which will be hosted by two Buckingham Palace guards. The day will see a live band performing quintessentially British anthems, as well as DJs, kids entertainment and free-flowing canapes. Tickets are £50 per person for adults and £25 per child and include a welcome drink and a British street party feast – expect burgers, finger sandwiches, and decadent desserts.
Promoting a Commonwealth theme, organisers aim for a triple whammy – the longest picnic table ever for the longest Sunday lunch taking place on the iconic Long Walk in Windsor Great Park. Plans are for the table to reach from Cambridge Gate towards the Copper House on Snow Hill. If all the tables are completely full, then visitors will be welcome to spread out their picnic on the grass. There will also be a big screen to watch the Platinum Pageant.
Friends of Clarence Park in Bury will be hosting a 1950s-themed picnic with live music, entertainment and refreshments. This is a free event and all are welcome with no need to book. Bring your own picnic lunch or grab a cream tea in the park’s café. Dress in 1950s style or in an outfit fit for a queen (or king) for a truly royal day out.
Ganymede bar and dining room is collaborating with the Belgravia Traders Association to host a jubilee street party on Sunday 5 June. The free-to-attend event will take place on the aptly named Elizabeth Street, just a 20-minute walk from Buckingham Palace. Starting at 11am, the street party will also include Punch & Judy shows at 1pm and 3pm and music by Itchy Feet from 2pm to 3.30pm. Soprano Alicia Lowes will also perform the national anthem at 1.45pm.
26. Royal afternoon tea with corgis at the Four Seasons
Sunday 5 June: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, London
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is hosting a royal afternoon tea featuring some very special guests. On Sunday 5 June only, customers can sit down for some sweet treats and also meet corgis Lily and Prince, stars of Netflix’s The Crown, on the hotel’s royally transformed forecourt. The Queen’s Jubilee afternoon tea at the Four Seasons is also available until 31 August between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Price starts from £62 per person served with a glass of champagne.
27. Queen’s Jubilee Sunday Lunch at Thornbury Castle
Sunday 5 June: Thornbury, South Glos
Thornbury Castle in South Gloucestershire will be celebrating the jubilee in regal style. Built in 1511 during the reign of Henry VIII, the castle has been the home of kings, queens and dukes over the centuries before becoming a luxury hotel. It reopened its doors last year following a multi-million pound refurbishment. One of the events marking the milestone weekend will be a Queen’s Jubilee Sunday Lunch on 5 June. Available to guests and non-residents, executive chef Carl Cleghorn will create a special lunch which will see diners enjoy English sparkling wine on arrival, a three-course meal and entertainment from a harpist. Booking in advance is essential. Call 01454 281182 or e-mail events@thornburycastle.co.uk
28. An Unforgettable Street Party at The Idle Rocks
Sunday 5 June: St Mawes, Cornwall
On Sunday 5 June, The Idle Rocks hotel in Cornwall will host a street party and luncheon celebration to round off the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. Kick back among the backdrop of the hotel’s harbour views and the soulful sounds of the afternoon’s resident DJ, Tom Shanks, whose tunes will be playing through until sunset. On arrival, guests will be welcomed with an array of delicious canapés curated with a modern twist and a “Jubilee Gin” cocktail, before enjoying a five-course feast with some of the finest accompanying wines. The party will start at 12.30pm before the celebratory luncheon at 1.15pm.
29. Coronation cocktails at InterContinental London Park Lane
Daily: London
The InterContinental London Park Lane is located on the site of the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth ll. To celebrate its royal connections, the hotel has launched a “Regal Escape” package and a special Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea. Also on the menu is a new range of cocktails at the hotel’s Arch Bar, which are inspired by a piece of art in The Royal Collection. The “Pop Art” cocktail is a take of Andy Warhol’s 1997 screen prints of the Queen, depicted on an edible stamp, atop a coupe of rye whiskey, raisin maple and cherry bitters. All cocktails cost £16.
Team of bitter rivals
6 elegant homes in the Mediterranean style
Harriet Tubman made a general 161 years after raid
Best UK literary festivals and book fairs in 2023
Fabulous foodie adventures in Peru, Japan and Australia
Top 10 best debut novels of all time
Watership Down: disturbing children’s film finally loses its U rating
How to pack efficiently and save on airfares
Edge of Ember: affordable fine jewellery for classicists
‘Pinnacle of gastronomy’: how Central became the world’s best restaurant in 2023
Wandering star: Audemars Piguet’s new Code 11.59 Starwheel watch
