Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee
As summer finally arrives the whole of Britain prepares to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee commemorating her 60 years on the throne. When she first became Queen in February 1952 Britain still ruled a vast Empire, Winston Churchill was Prime Minister and The Loveliest Night of the Year by Mario Lanza was topping the charts. How times have changed! Across the land bunting will fly, Union Jack flags will be in abundance and street parties will go on till the early hours. In this time of austerity the Jubilee is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate Britain and show the world our culture and history.
You can join in the Jubilee fun right here in Westminster:
On the 4th June at 12:30pm The St John’s Wood Society is hosting The Big Jubilee Lunch in St John’s Wood Church Grounds. There will be a sit down lunch for 400 people with such old favourites as poached salmon and giant meringues with cream on offer. There will also be a raffle in aid of St John’s Hospice with fabulous prizes. Bring your own drink and glasses. Ticket prices are £10 for adults and £5 for children.
On the 3rd June 11am St John’s Wood Church will be holding a service of Choral Mattins, just as it would have been at St John’s Wood in the good old 1950s when Her Majesty took the throne. The choir will be out in force to sing some fabulously English coronation music, including Britten’s Te Deum and the anthem I was glad by Parry.
In Portman Village there is Diamond Jubilee Street Party on the 30th May 5:00pm-10:00pm. There will be wine and food tastings, a Jubilee hat making competition, live DJ’s and face painting for the kids.
In Hyde Park from 2nd-3rd June 10:30am-7:30pm there will be Jubilee Family Festival. Expect to see all your favourite Disney characters, plus some of our home grown British stars such as Bob the Builder and Thomas the Tank Engine. Also there will be food stalls, face painting and performers. Tickets will be £20 for adults and £12.50 for kids.
Lastly we recommend the Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on Sunday 3rd June. Led by the Queen, a flotilla of over a thousand vessels will sale 7 ½ miles down the Thames towards Tower Bridge. There will be musical barges, a floating belfry whose chiming bells will be answered by churches along the river bank, and at London Bridge the flotilla will be greeted by a gun salute. It will certainly be a magical day out for all.
