Majestic moments
Everyone can join in the fun for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, says MARION McMULLEN
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An evening knees-up in the grounds of Buckingham Palace on Saturday, June 4, will see some of the world’s biggest stars celebrate the most significant moments in the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, pictured left.
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The Manchester Arena floor is to be transformed into a street party space with comedian Jason Manford, inset, and singer Fleur East who are the hosts of the National Lottery’s Big Jubilee Street Party. Confirmed acts for the event on Thursday, May 12, include Kaiser Chiefs, Becky Hill, Steps and Ella Henderson.
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In 1958 Queen Elizabeth attended the gala performance of My Fair Lady with Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison, inset, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane – and supposedly enjoyed the songs so much she could have danced all night. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will hold a concert at the Symphony Hall on Thursday, June 2, celebrating the Queen’s love of the musical and play music from her coronation. Tickets from £13.
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The famed Choir of the Chapels Royal will perform a concert reflecting the themes of coronation and queenhood at St Peter ad Vincula chapel – burial place of some of the famous prisoners executed at the Tower of London, including, Anne Boleyn, below on Thursday, April 28. Tickets £25.
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Participants in Portsmouth’s Platinum Jubilee 70K Ultra Run on June 5, will run a kilometre for each year since the Queen’s ascension and receive a Jubilee medal, at the finish line. Other events taking place include a multi-sport 20km run, 5km kayak, and 45km bike ride. Entry for the event is £40 and includes ferry crossing.
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A British car from each year of the Queen’s reign will be travelling 70 miles through Cornwall from Bodmin to Penzance on Sunday, June 5. One of the earliest motors featuring is a 1952 MG TD and the latest is a 2022 electric Jaguar. The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Bodmin, honour’s the Queen’s work as a mechanic and driver in WWII, right.
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The Queen is set to attend Derby Day at Epsom on Saturday, June 4. Phil White, London Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “To be afforded this opportunity to celebrate the contribution she has made to horseracing, to British life and the Commonwealth, is a real honour.” Tickets from £26.
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Hetty and Betty Ballroom in Whitby, North Yorks, is hosting the Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea Party on Friday, June 3, transporting guests back to the merrymaking that heralded Britain’s new monarch. After a prosecco afternoon tea, guests will hear vintage tunes such as Fred Astaire’s, inset, Cheek to Cheek and Vera Lynn’s White Cliffs of Dover. Tickets from £26.64.
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The RAF Cosford Airshow in Wolverhampton is returning to tell the 70-year-old story of aviation and royalty. Visitors can get hands-on experiences and immersive storytelling at the event on Sunday, June 12.
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TV’s Stephen Mulhern, below, will host the Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular at St Ninians, near Kelty, Fife on June 18 and 19. Performers include the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Massed Army Cadet Force Brass and Woodwind Bands – 100 musicians from across the UK. Daredevils The Imps Motorcycle Display Team will also showcase their skills.