Europe & Britain | Inspiration

How to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee like a true Brit

On 6 February 2022, Her Majesty The Queen became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 loyal years of service. Queen Elizabeth acceded to the throne at the age of 25 after the death of her father George VI in 1952. Since then, Her Majesty has advised 14 prime ministers and 13 US presidents and navigated countless global crises. To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, the UK is pulling out all the stops. The Platinum Jubilee will be a spectacle like no other, with pomp and pageantry, feasts and fireworks, and massive celebrations planned for the four-day bank holiday weekend from 2 June to 5 June. 

A once-in-a-lifetime event, the Platinum Jubilee weekend is set to be a cracker – and everyone’s invited. To kick things off, we’ve rounded up some of the jolly good celebrations and British traditions happening during the Platinum Jubilee weekend. From street parties and royal parades to a special 1am pub closing time, here’s how you can make it a weekend to remember – and celebrate like a true Brit.

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Throw a street party

The Brits love throwing street parties to celebrate national events… So we’re sure there will be thousands of street parties going off on the four-day weekend starting 2 June. 

There’s even going to be a world record attempt for the longest street party as part of The Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5 June. The Big Jubilee Lunch is part of the official celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and it’s a massive event with over ten million people planning to join one of the celebrations in their community. So far, over 60,000 people have registered to host Big Jubilee Lunches on Sunday 5th, with anything from a garden barbeque or a driveway picnic to big bashes in the street. 

It’s all about having fun, getting to know everyone a little better,  and digging into some typical British food. Start with a classic coronation chicken sandwich and follow it up with a bowl of the official Platinum Jubilee Pudding. Then wash it all down with a glass of Pimms. It doesn’t get more British than that. 

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Catch the Queen’s Birthday Parade – Trooping The Colour

Start your Platinum Jubilee celebrations as early as possible by watching the Trooping The Colour procession in front of the Queen herself on Thursday 2 June from 10am-12:25pm. It’s being held at Horse Guards Parade and tickets are already sold out. But don’t worry – you can also get a free view of the parade from The Mall by St James’ Park or watch a fly-by from the Royal Air Force at 1pm. If you don’t fancy getting to The Mall hours early to grab the best seat in the house, you can always cosy up at home with a cuppa and watch it on TV (it’s screening on the BBC).

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However you watch, it’s well worth doing. Trooping the Colour is a regal tradition dating back to the 17th century… And they sure know how to put on a show. You’ll see thousands of soldiers marching and moving in military precision alongside prancing horses and 400 military musicians. The gilded carriages holding members of the royal family (including the Queen) will leave Buckingham Palace and proceed down The Mall to the Horse Guard’s Parade. A Royal Gun Salute will be fired and the Royal Family will appear on the iconic palace balcony to watch the RAF fly-by.

Later in the evening, over 1,500 beacons will be lit around the UK and the Commonwealth. A special ceremony takes place at Buckingham Palace. Or you can head to the Long Walk near Windsor Castle to watch the fireworks. 

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Watch the Platinum Jubilee Pageant

Love the Queen’s Birthday Parade? You’ll be happy to know you can back it up with another spectacular celebration on Sunday 5 June. The Platinum Jubilee Pageant will see over 10,000 people including dancers, soldiers and musicians from all over the Commonwealth, marching along The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace and surrounding streets. The performers will tell the story of the Queen’s incredible life and reign. It’s a carnival, concert, circus, and theatre all rolled up into one showstopping event, with everything from 200 silk flags flying overhead to trapeze artists and a giant puppet dragon. 

You can even see your favourite British stars and national treasures perform including Ed Sheeran, Sir Cliff Richard, Jeremy Irons, Heston Blumenthal, Jayne Torvill, Alan Titchmarsh, Rosie Jones, Gary Lineker, and more. The best part? The whole amazing event is free. So grab your picnic rug and settle in at one of the viewing points announced closer to the date.

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Enjoy a British afternoon tea

One of our favourite British traditions is a classic English afternoon tea. And you won’t have to go far to find a proper one on the Platinum Jubilee long weekend. Afternoon teas will be held everywhere from The Shangri-La at The Shard to boat cruises on the River Thames. The scones are fresh, the tea is piping hot, and the glasses are full of bubbly… Go on, celebrate the Platinum Jubilee like a true Brit. 

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Visit the Royal Residences

Want to get a peek into the fascinating world of the Queen and the British Royal Family? Many royal residences around London are holding special exhibitions featuring everything from royal costumes to regal artwork. 

Buckingham Palace

From 22 July to 2 October, Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms will display portraits of the Queen by photographer Dorothy Wilding. Also on display will be the actual jewellery the Queen wore in the photos. There will also be pieces of art from the Royal Collections by icons such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Canaletto. The staterooms themselves are a treat to explore…. Keep your eye out for the dazzling gilded piano, gifted to Queen Victoria. 

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Windsor Castle

To mark this momentous occasion, Windsor Castle is holding a special exhibition – Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Coronation. Be sure to check out the magnificent Coronation Dress and Robe of Estate worn by the Queen during the 1953 Coronation. While you’re there, you can head to the Jubilee Picnic in the Park, featuring food, live music, and classic cars. There will also be big screens showing the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace held at Buckingham Palace. While the lineup is yet to be announced, past acts have included Paul McCartney and Elton John, so you’re sure to see some superstars. 

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Hampton Court Palace

This stunning palace is hosting a Jubilee Joust on its 60-acre grounds from 1 June to 5 June. Cheer on your favourite knight and his noble steed… Then wander around and marvel at the general grandeur of the Hampton Court Palace. 

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Go down to the pub

If all else fails, you can always count on the pub. With pubs in England and Wales staying open until 1am on the bank holiday weekend, you can celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in true British style. Raise a glass to Her Majesty and enjoy the fun!

How are you going to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? Let us know in the comments below…

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