Millions of people across the UK are set to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign. There will be a four-day bank holiday weekend with various official events occurring across the UK.
It is estimated that there will around 16,000 street parties thrown with several councils approving a “huge number” of applications from communities eager to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne. Additionally, there are also set to be various private and local street parties in cities and towns around the country.
“Hundreds of thousands of Big Jubilee Lunch street parties, BBQs and picnics are being planned across the nation to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s amazing 70 years,” says Eden Project executive director Peter Stewart where the idea for The Big Jubilee Lunch came from.
“Between 10 to 12 million people is a modest estimate in terms of the scale of participation, and that’s testament to the community spirit and appetite for connection we know is out there.
“Holding your own event isn’t hard – just knock on your neighbours’ doors, grab some nibbles and hang the bunting!”
What’s planned?
There are a number of events planned during the extended bank holiday weekend.
Thursday 2nd June
- Trooping the Colour: More than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come together in the Queen’s official birthday parade. This will conclude with a RAF fly-past over Buckingham Palace.
- Lighting of the beacons: More than 1,500 beacons will be lit around the country with the main beacon lit during a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Friday 3rd June
- Service of Thanksgiving: Singing of traditional hymns and the ringing of the country’s biggest church bell will occur at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Saturday 4th June
- Epsom Derby: Also known as The Derby Stakes, members of the Royal Family, including the Queen herself, are set to appear at the horse racing event.
- Platinum Jubilee Concert: The likes of Sir Rod Stewart, Diana Ross and Duran Duran will feature in a live concert outside Buckingham Palace.
Sunday 5th June
- Platinum Jubilee Pageant: The pageant will have a 3km carnival-type procession featuring a cast of thousands including celebrities and tributes.
How to organise the perfect street party
Here are a few tips on how to set up and what to include in a street party:
- Send out flyers to residents on your street about the party and inform them about the possible need to move some cars.
- Make sure you have an abundance of bunting and flags, a key element of any type of street party. You can find endless supplies online.
- Keep the food nice and simple. If you can contribute with cakes, sandwiches, or drinks, that would be more than enough to make everyone happy.
- Set up road closure barriers on the day.
- Be sure to have plenty of fun activities to keep the children entertained. Perhaps some arts and crafts including a little competition on who can make the best crown.
- Background music is key. Have some family-friendly classics playing throughout the day.
- Share photos in windows, street or online afterwards.
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