Top places to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Since her coronation in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II has been the well-loved symbol of Britain, at home and abroad. She is only the second monarch to celebrate 60 years on the throne, the equally remarkable Queen Victoria being the first in 1897. As the nation prepares to commemorate this historic Diamond Jubilee Silver Travel Advisor, the only travel advice and review site for the over 50’s, has come up with the top ways to celebrate the Jubilee.
The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant June 3rd, 2 - 6pm
From Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge, the Thames will be full of decorated boats, Union Flags and streamers, over 1000 are expected from around the UK and abroad, working boats, pleasure craft, wooden launches and more. A floating belfry will ring its bells, being answered by churches along the river. A gun salute will be fired close to London Bridge. 30,000 members of the public will be flag waving mid-river from passenger boats, and spectators can watch this celebration of the Diamond Jubilee from the river banks and bridges. Big screen coverage of the event will be available in 21 towns and cities across the UK.
thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org.
The Palace of Holyrood House – Treasures from the Queen’s Palaces
The Queen’s treasures will feature in touring exhibition, in Edinburgh until November, displaying 100 of the finest and unique works from the Royal Collection, many never seen in Scotland before, a true show of extraordinary paintings and artefacts. And later in the year, followed by The Queen: 60 Photographs for 60 years, a celebration of our monarch throughout her reign. And of course, the Queen herself will be touring Scotland from July 2nd – 6th.
royalcollection.org.uk.
Cardiff – Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama June 2nd & 3rd
Take part in a sumptuous, indoor 1950s style street party with colourful bunting, delicious food stalls and uplifting music. An excellent chance to really enjoy some good ol’ fashioned partying! Stay on into the evening and enjoy the emotional music of coronations and royal weddings, free entry and concessions for seniors.
rwcmd.ac.uk.
Diamond Jubilee Beacons June 4th
On the night of 4th June 2012 beacons to be lit all over the UK, including 60 along Hadrian’s Wall, and the Commonwealth, with the Queen lighting the National Beacon at 22.30 in central London. A traditional symbol of royal celebration in line with those lit for the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilee’s in 1977 and 2002.
thediamondjubilee.org.
The Big Jubilee Lunch June 3rd – Nationwide
This is all about neighbours having lunch together, in whatever way they like, street parties, picnics and fetes are just some examples of how over 2 million people joined in last year. This time there’s something to shout about, The Diamond Jubilee! It’s so easy to get involved.
thebiglunch.com.