Where to go in London for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend

In addition to the new Platinum Jubilee Pudding, we’re also getting a four-day bank holiday, with Thursday and Friday designated as well-deserved days off for many.

Expect parks and street parties to be bustling – with themed baskets, anniversary items, Union Jack bunting and booze/sails galore to toast Her Majesty’s long reign.

And since the royal family is usually based in London, with Buckingham Palace at its heart, parades, concerts and special events are held here in the capital.

If you’re lucky, you might even see The Queen on one of these occasions.

Find the best anniversary events in London here

The official Platinum Jubilee events

Trooping The Color

Trooping The Color will be held in full for the first time since the pandemic. More than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will take part.

Unfortunately, although you can watch the event on TV, tickets seem to be sold out.

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The Jubilee and Bank Holiday celebrations begin with Platinum Jubilee bonfires being lit at more than 1,500 locations across the UK and Commonwealth.

Illuminations begin at 21:15 in Commonwealth countries, with most UK illuminations occurring at 21:45.

Date: Thursday June 2nd
Where to find information: Queen’s Jubilee Beacons

thanksgiving service

A thanksgiving service for the Queen’s reign is held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

This will be a private event, although well-wishers will no doubt gather around the cathedral to see the royal family.

Platinum Party at the Palace

Buckingham Palace hosts an epic concert featuring an incredible cast of Diana Ross, Queen + Adam Lambert and more.

If you didn’t get a ticket when you voted, the BBC will broadcast the concert live on BBC One, iPlayer and Radio 4.

Date: Saturday June 4th
Where to find information: The Metro.co.uk concert guide

The big anniversary dinner

People across the country are being invited to get together to attend the Big Jubilee Lunch, which sees street parties across the UK.

Dozens (hundreds?) of street festivals are held in each district of the capital.

While some require tickets, others require you to show up only. You have to search for your nearest one and go from there.

Platinum Anniversary Competition

There will also be a Platinum Jubilee Pageant, with 5,000 people from Great Britain and the Commonwealth performing in the Buckingham Palace area.

Date: Sunday June 5th
Where to find information: Platinum Pageant

The best Platinum Jubilee events in London

Corgi Cafe at The Refinery Bankside

The Refinery on Southwark Street is home to London’s first-ever corgi café, including off-leash activities, Pop + Bark ‘Pupuccinos’, dog and human treats and professional photos of your pooch.

Date: Sunday May 29th
Where to find information: Drake and Morgan

Corgi Cam at Leadenhall Market

If you love corgis but don’t own one, visit Leadenhall Market in the City of London from 12pm to 6pm.

A Corgi Cam pop-up booth allows you to take a photo with the Queen’s favorite dog breed. No booking is required.

Platinum Picnic in the Park at Greenwich

From 12pm to 4pm, bring your own picnic to Charlton Park in Greenwich and enjoy a variety of anniversary activities.

Hope the weather will be nice…

Date: Friday June 3rd
Where to find information: Royal Greenwich Council website

Anniversary Dance Party at Wembley Park

There is a huge free street party at Wembley Park on June 4th from 12pm to 7pm.

Expect live music, lots of dancing, family-friendly activities, and even some circus acts. There might even be a mini flash mob.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Southbank Center

The famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform in the Royal Festival Hall as part of the Southbank Centre’s huge program of anniversary events and performances.

Expect several solo artists to join them for an unforgettable afternoon of classical music. Tickets need to be booked in advance and it looks (at the time of writing) that some are still available.

Date: Saturday June 4th
Where to find information: Southbank Center

The Queen’s Baton Relay in London’s Royal Docks

From 2.30pm on Sunday visitors can watch the Baton’s final pit stop for this year’s Commonwealth Games as it arrives at London’s Royal Docks in Newham.

This will be followed by an event – A Right Royal Docks Jubilee – featuring live performances by the English National Ballet’s Youth Company, as well as a concert by BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ and broadcaster Swarzy Macaly and African World Pop musician Incent Bugoz.

You can also expect family-friendly activities like puppet shows, sculpting, and drawing throughout the day.

Super bloom at the Tower of London

A trip to the historic Tower of London over the Jubilee weekend will give you an unexpected treat: millions upon millions of flowers fill the surrounding moat.

From June 1st to September 18th, an array of colorful blooms will change hues as the more than 20 million planted seeds bloom throughout the summer.

Tickets must be booked, so don’t hesitate.

Anniversary Tournament at Hampton Court Palace

As part of your admission to Hampton Court Palace you can catch some old school tournaments during the anniversary weekend.

The event, which runs June 1-5, sees knights in traditional silver armor on horseback do battle in a fun tournament daily at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm, with each performance lasting 45 minutes.

Zoobilee at ZSL London Zoo

Teddy bear picnics, animal walks and zoo keeper Q&A will take place at London Zoo from Saturday 28th May until the end of the anniversary weekend.

The additional activities are included in your standard ticket price but must be booked.

Date: Every weekend
Where to find information: ZSL London Zoo

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