The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations
This year Queen Elizabeth II marks a record-breaking 70 years on Britain's throne. Naturally, the much-loved 95-year-old monarch is being fêted throughout the country.
Despite 2022 being her Platinum Jubilee year, Her Majesty chose to spend the actual date of her accession, 6 February, quietly, as is her custom. After all, this is also the anniversary of her adored father King George VI's death. But when spring arrives, an incredible programme of special events will begin, from royal processions filled with pomp and pageantry to neighbourhood street parties.
On the weekend of 12-15 May, the Platinum Jubilee Celebration will see 1,000 performers and 500 horses highlight significant moments in royal history through an exciting 90-minute show.
Then in the summer, the whole country will enjoy a four-day bank holiday weekend, from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June, so that everyone has the chance to join in the party.
On 2 June, the Queen's annual birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, will be an especially spectacular event, with 1,200 officers taking part, together with Army musicians and horses.
On the same day, celebratory beacons will be lit in 1,500 towns, villages and cities throughout the United Kingdom and its overseas territories.
On Friday 3 June, a Service of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty's reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral and on Saturday 4 June, Buckingham Palace will play host to the BBC's Platinum Party at the Palace, a live concert featuring huge names in entertainment.
Sunday 5 June is the date of The Big Jubilee Lunch, with more than 200,000 local events expected to take place.
On the same day, near to Buckingham Palace, The Platinum Jubilee Pageant will see dancers, musicians, military personnel, key workers and volunteers bring history to life through a combination of theatre, music, circus and street performance.
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A special River of Hope section will feature 200 silk flags that appear like a moving river, with a part consisting of children's hopes for the planet to be carried by secondary school pupils.
There will also be events for the public to participate in throughout the year, including the Queen’s Green Canopy, which sees green-fingered communities across the country planting trees in celebration of the monarch's seven decades of service. This initiative is also working to protect valuable ancient trees and woodlands as well as launching a training programme to teach unemployed youngsters tree-planting skills.
The Platinum Pudding competition, meanwhile, will task UK residents aged eight and above with creating a new pudding dedicated to the Queen. Five finalists will prepare their dessert for an expert judging panel including Buckingham Palace Head Chef Mark Flanagan, with the winning recipe made available to the public.
Three special displays marking the Queen's Accession, Coronation and Jubilees will be staged at the official royal residences from July, with portraits of Her Majesty and items from her personal jewellery exhibited at Buckingham Palace, the Coronation Dress and Robe of Estate at Windsor Castle and outfits worn by Her Majesty to celebrate her Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Celebrations will also take place on The Queen’s private estates, Sandringham in Norfolk and Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands, for local residents and visitors.
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