What not to miss in London for the Royal Platinum Jubilee
It’s a big year for the Brits – 2022 sees HRH Queen Elizabeth on the throne for 70 years. The platinum jubilee anniversary actually occurred in February, but the country has been waiting for what is traditionally the Queen’s birthday weekend to celebrate. So from Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 5th June, the whole country has laid on events, parties and celebrations. None more so than in London, where many official events are taking place. We look at what’s not to miss in the city, and locally across Kensington, Chelsea, and Mayfair.
Community Concerts
A series of community concert will take place in parks and gardens across Kensington and Chelsea, promising music, dancing and connection for Kensington locals.
Cornwall Gardens 3rd June 6pm – 8.30pm
Onslow Square 2nd June 6pm – 8.30pm
Coleherne Court 1st June 6pm – 8.30pm
Afternoon Tea
The Goring
A stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, The Goring is perfectly located to be offering a Jubilee themed afternoon tea. Cakes and sandwiches include royal fruit cake and coronation chicken, of course!
Corgi Cafe
Classically British eccentricity abounds at the pop-up Corgi Cafe at The Refinery on Bankside. There is brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and spring cocktails available for humans, but the stars of the show will be the corgis who are invited to attend and wash a pupcake down with a puppacino!
Street Parties
Abingdon Jubilee Street Party
This street party will take place at the junction between Abingdon Road and Abingdon Villas, W8 on 2nd June 5pm – 9pm. There will be food stalls, music, entertainment and competitions. Dressing up is recommended!
Mayfair Street Party
Head over to North Audley Street between 12pm – 7pm on 2nd & 3rd June for a street party come festival experience. There’s dance and music performances, artisan street food and drink on offer and an epic 200 ft banqueting table to ensure everyone is welcome.
The Stafford
On 5th June, the Courtyard at The Stafford plays host to a more exclusive street party affair. High end party food and barbecue delights are on the menu, with a traditional Eton Mess to follow.
Parks
Platinum Jubilee Blooms
Kensington Palace Gardens open their stunning floral display of ‘super blooms’ from 1st June. The gardens promise a ‘colourful, vibrant display of flowers’ planted to reveal new celebratory colours and patterns.
Discovery Days
Hyde Park offers a celebratory selection of nature based activities for little ones across 2 days on 31st May & 1st June. There will be arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, sensory activities and seed planting. Head to the LookOut Education Centre to join in.
Royal Events
Trooping the Colour – 2nd June
This annual event is now in its 260th year, and takes on an extra significance this year. As well as the military pageant involving musicians and around 240 horses, there will be a Royal Gun Salute to mark the birthday of the Queen. There will be screens showing the pageant in St James’s Park and the procession to and from Horse Guards Parade is a spectacle in itself.
Platinum Party – 4th June
With tickets allocated by public ballot, this star studded concert at Buckingham Palace is a closed affair. However, the event will be broadcast so you can enjoy it from parks, pubs and your own luxury serviced apartment!
Platinum Jubilee Pageant – 5th June
Head to The Mall and surrounding streets to witness the Platinum Pageant, which will be lead by the gold state carriage. This is part procession and part performance, with four acts and over 6,000 military personnel, performers and volunteers.
Travel
With so many events across the city, it’s going to be a busy time! There may be road closures and diversions, and public transport will be busy. So plan journeys and leave extra time to account for delays. While you’re travelling about town, why not route your journey via the new Elizabeth Line underground service. Because, well – why not get into the swing of things en route!