Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, HR Queen Elizabeth II is one of the longest reigning monarchs in the world celebrating her Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years on the throne of Great Britain on Feb 6, 2022.
Just ahead of summer and before the official weekend begins, the events lined up to celebrate the auspicious occasion have been revealed:
Showstopping flying
The RAF Cosford Airshow in Wolverhampton returns this summer to tell the 70-year-old story of aviation and royalty on June 12 (Sun). Tickets are at £34.
Singalong at the Tower
The Choir of the Chapels Royal at the Tower of London will perform a concert reflecting the themes of coronation and queenhood at the historic St Peter ad Vincula chapel on April 28 (Thu). Tickets@ £25.
Win a Jubilee medal
Portsmouth’s Platinum Jubilee 70K Ultra Run on June 5 (Sun) – will see participants run a kilometre for each year since the Queen’s ascension – and receive a Jubilee medal, right, at the finish line. Other events include a multi-sport 20km run, 5km kayak, and 45km bike ride. £40 entry fee includes ferry crossing.
Concert of the Queen’sfave tunes
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will hold a concert at the Symphony Hall on June 2 (Thu) celebrating the Queen’s love of the musical as well as many of her other favourite songs. In 1958 the Queen enjoyed the glittering gala performance of My Fair Lady on London’s Drury Lane so much she could have danced all night. Tickets start £13.
Ballroom afternoon Tea, Doo-Wop and Dancing Queen
Whitby’s Hetty and Betty Ballroom will host the Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea Party on June 3 (Fri) as it’s transformed into the ultimate Doo Wop party palace – transporting guests back to the merrymaking that heralded Britain’s new female monarch. Tickets are from £26.64.
70 cars for 70 years car run
70 British cars – one from each year of the Queen’s reign – will travel 70 miles through Cornwall on June 5 (Sun) from Bodmin to Penzance. One of the earliest motors featuring in the run is a 1952 MG TD, and the latest is a 2022 electric Jaguar. The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Bodmin, will honour the Queen’s work in the army as a mechanic and driver during the Second World War. £25 entry fee includes a Monte Carlo style car plaque and a commemorative mug.
Derby Day
Days after her coronation, the Queen attended the Epsom Downs racecourse to watch her first runner in the Derby. Aureole, bred by her late father, King George VI, finished second. It is the closest she has come to a victory in the race. Accompanied by family members, The Queen will join racing fans on Derby Day at Epsom on June 4 (Sat) – part of the official Platinum Jubilee Weekend 2022. Tickets start from £26.
Party at the Palace
An evening knees-up in the grounds of Buckingham Palace on June 4 (Sat) will bring together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant moments from the Queen’s seven-decade reign.
No names have yet been announced – but it promises to be even bigger and better than the Diamond Jubilee when the nation was entertained by Sir Elton John, Robbie Williams, and Kylie Minogue.
Massive street party
The Manchester arena floor will be transformed into a street party space with Comedian Jason Manford and singer Fleur East as hosts of the National Lottery’s Big Jubilee Street Party on May 12 (Thu).
Cheer and jeer at the Jubilee Joust
Witness one of Henry VIII’s favourite sporting activities in action at Hampton Court Palace Gardens where, for five days, knights from around the country will joust to celebrate the Jubilee beginning June 1 (Wed). The overall champion is announced on the final day. Tickets start from £26.10.
Many other activities such as A Gallop through Royal History, The Platinum Pageant, Record-breaking Big Lunch, Ride on a purple steam train, Vintage Garden Party, Red Hot Chili Pipers and Motorcycle Display as well as Tractor rides and alpacas are there for you to choose from… if you are heading to England early this summer.
