With the Queen’s Jubilee just around the corner, we take a look at what’s been planned for the long weekend, as well as some of the Queen’s past visits to sunny Leeds.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years of her reign (the longest of any British monarch!) is to take place this year, and any self-respecting Brit knows what that means: two extra days off work! This year the May bank holiday will be moved to 2nd June and there will an additional bank holiday on 3rd June. These dates fall on the Thursday and Friday, meaning a four-day weekend is on the cards for most!
Below we take a look at what’s going on over the bank holiday to celebrate the occasion:
Trooping the Colour | 2nd June
For the Queen’s birthday a display will be put on by the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards and over 1,200 officers and soldiers from the Household Division. Sandringham and Balmoral will also be opened for residents and visitors and will remain open throughout the bank holiday.
Service of Thanksgiving | 3rd June
A ceremony of thanksgiving will be held in St Paul’s Cathedral. This service will not be open to the public but will see members of the royal family and special guests come together to celebrate the Queen’s reign.
Platinum Party at the Palace | 4th June
Join some of the world’s biggest entertainers as they perform for the Queen and a crowd of 10,000 outside Buckingham Palace. With state-of-the-art technology and a stunning stage design, the event will feature actors from film, TV, and the stage re-enacting significant cultural moments from the Queen’s seven-decade reign and well as a star-studded roster of musicians.
The Big Jubilee Lunch | 5th June
First introduced at the 2012 Diamond Jubilee, the Big Jubilee Lunch will see neighbours tucking into a potluck lunch selection in hundreds of street parties all over the country. You can even organise your own celebration for you and your neighbours, so break out the bunting and get planning!
Platinum Jubilee Pageant | 5th June
The Platinum Jubilee will be a three-act spectacle telling the story of the Queen’s reign and how it has affected society. The first act will feature a parade of marching bands, serving troops, and people across the UK and Commonwealth, while the second will feature thrilling theatre, dance, music, carnival, and street arts performances. The third and final act is a closely guarded secret for now but is expected to be announced later this year.
Platinumjubilee.gov.uk
The Etz Chaim Synagogue will also be hosting a garden party in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 5th June, serving homemade cakes, sandwiches, and ice cream for all ages.
Keep a look out on our social media for some local events being organised here in Leeds!