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Dazzling destinations for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

18th May 2012 Print

Over the long weekend from Saturday 2 through Tuesday 5 June 2012, The Queen celebrates 60 years as Monarch and her 60th year as the Head of the Commonwealth.

Whether you’re staying in London to enjoy the heart of the Jubilee celebrations or fancy taking advantage of the long weekend to book a holiday, Cheapflights.co.uk points travellers in the direction of the best celebrations around the world.

“It’s one of this summer’s most anticipated events, but, with thousands expected to stampede into London for the celebrations, an escape to enjoy them from afar in one of the other Commonwealth destinations might be just the royal ticket,” says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk.

Reach for your bunting, wave your flag and get in the Jubilee spirit with these top Jubilee destinations.

London

London is the place to be for the Diamond Jubilee. Celebrations kick off on Sunday 3 June when neighbours and friends join together for a traditional street party. Those next to the River Thames can feast their eyes on up to 1,000 boats taking part in The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant and try to spot The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on the Royal Barge. For music fans, the Diamond Jubilee Concert will be held on Monday 4 June – those not lucky enough to get a ticket can watch from the comfort of their television. Also on Monday, The Queen will light the National Beacon and, at the same time, communities all over the UK and the Commonwealth will light 2,012 more Beacons. The last of the celebrations take place on Tuesday 5 June with a service at St Paul’s Cathedral and a procession that culminates at Buckingham Palace where the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family take their places on the famous Balcony to watch an RAF Flypast.

Australia

Although on the other side of the world, Australia is still doing their bit to celebrate this rare occasion. On Monday 4 June, Julia Gillard, the Australian Prime Minister, will unite with the rest of the commonwealth and the UK by lighting a Beacon on top of Parliament House in Canberra. In support of the celebrations and in accordance with historical protocol, Parks Place in the Parliamentary zone will be renamed Queen Elizabeth Terrace, similarly to the names of adjacent streets Queen Victoria, King Edward and King George Terraces. If you’re after a collector’s item, then purchase a Jubilee stamp issued by Australia Post or a Jubilee coin which will be issued by the Royal Australian Mint.

Canada

In honour of the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s accession to the throne as Queen of Canada, a new commemorative medal named The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal has been created. The medal is a way for Canada to honour The Queen’s service to the country as well as serving to honour a significant contribution or achievement by Canadians. During 2012, 60,000 Canadians will be recognised and awarded the medal. Canada will also take part by lighting Beacons as part of a commonwealth celebration of the Diamond Jubilee.

Scotland

To mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Perth in Scotland has been awarded city status after winning a UK competition. Perth will now be Scotland’s seventh city, along with Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling. Twenty six towns across the UK entered the competition in a bid to win the civic honour, while only two other UK towns won the honour of becoming a city: Chelmsford in England and St Asaph in Wales. Perth based its bid on its long history as a city before the status was removed in 1975 during a local government shake up. On Monday 4 June, it has been confirmed that Beacons will be lit on Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland.

New Zealand

Monday 4 June will see New Zealanders celebrate The Queen’s birthday and the opening of the ski season. Around The Queen’s birthday, The Queen’s Honours list is released. This is a list of hundreds of recipients who are acknowledged and honoured for public service, whether its services to television or services to prisoner welfare. This year, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee also falls on the same weekend as her birthday, so expect the celebrations to be even bigger. New Zealand will pay tribute to The Queen by lighting Beacons along with other countries in the Commonwealth.

For more Jubilee Escapes, visit cheapflights.co.uk.