Perhaps you’ve heard of a little celebration going on this weekend?
Well, just in case you need a refresher, Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 60 years on the British throne in 2012. Her Silver Jubilee marked 25 years, her Golden Jubilee marked 50 years, and here we are at 60, celebrating her Diamond Jubilee.
(The only other British monarch to reign for 60 years was Queen Victoria in 1897, so this is kind of a big deal)
Since she her coronation took place on 2 June, 1953, this weekend will see the main celebrations in and around London. To boot, this will be a four day weekend, as Monday the 4th (the creatively named Spring Bank Holiday) and Tuesday the 5th (the equally-inspired name Queen’s Diamond Jubilee) are holidays. Please note that Faraday House will be closed during this time.
Now, if you’re a summer student who just so happens to be in the UK during this time, then you simply must harness the opportunity to take in this most British of celebrations! There are loads of events going on, both official and unofficial, to mark all-things-royal.
Here’s a rundown of main events going on this weekend:
- Sunday, 3 June: The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Nearly 1,000 boats will be floating along the Thames from 2pm to 6pm. Click here for more info and advice on viewing locations.
- Monday, 4 June: Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace. A star studded concert will begin at 7:30pm outside of Buckingham Palace. Tickets sold out a loooong time ago, but there will be viewing screens set up in Hyde Park, St James’s Park, and along The Mall. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy!
- Tuesday, 5th June: Carriage Procession. The Queen and assorted royals will make their way via horse-drawn carriage from the Palace of Westminster to Buckingham Palace starting at 2:20pm, ending in a royal wave-off on the balcony at Buckingham Palace sometime around 3:25pm. The procession will also be shown on large screens in Hyde Park, St James’s Park, and Trafalgar Square.
I have BARELY scratched the surface when it comes to the many many Jubilee events that are going on around London this weekend, so please check out these resources and plan your own ultimate Jubilee experience: