Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations: All you need to know

Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations are set to be one of the biggest countrywide events the United Kingdom may have ever seen. Queen Elizabeth, the longest-serving monarch, will complete 70 years on the throne this year.

The platinum jubilee celebrations are not going to be short-lived. Britain is in for a full weekend of parades, contests, flypasts and parties. An extra off-day has been declared in the country, extending the celebration weekend (June 2-June 5, 2022.)

Also Read: British Vogue features Queen Elizabeth II on cover as ‘special tribute’

Which events can you attend?

While the processions and flypasts are open to all, some events may be exclusive. According to the official platinum jubilee website, 2,249 public events will be held across the United Kingdom. The website also shares details about 3,388 street parties or private events.

The parade

The traditional parade will see the participation of roughly 1,400 marching soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee. The event is scheduled for June 4, 2022 and is open for public viewing.

The parade will begin at the Buckingham Palace and will later be joined by select members of the royal family, who will be on horseback or in carriages. 

The beauty pageant

The platinum jubilee beauty pageant will take elements from street arts, theatre, music, circus and carnivals to put up a show that is expected to be attended by thousands of people, according to the event’s official website.

The event has been split into four separate acts. These include: “For Queen and Country”, “Time of our Lives”, “Let’s Celebrate” and “Happy and Glorious.”

Also Read: Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year marked with gun salutes

The pageant will travel a three-kilometer (nearly two-mile) route and end in front of Buckingham Palace, where crowds will sing “God Save the Queen.” Singers Ed Sheeran, Shirley Bassey and Cliff Richard will be among the celebrities paying tribute.

What about celebrity performances?

Stars from the stage and screen, and the sporting world appearing at the event and on film will include Sir David Attenborough, Emma Raducanu, David Beckham, Stephen Fry, Dame Julie Andrews, The Royal Ballet, Ellie Simmonds, and a specially recorded performance from Sir Elton John. Sam Ryder, the United Kingdom’s Eurovision hero, will also perform live, fresh from his success in Italy.