It will be a celebration like no other – citizens of the United Kingdom will be treated to a four-day holiday in 2022 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
In what is being billed as a “blockbuster” celebration, a bumper-long bank holiday will take place in 18 months time to mark the occasion of The Queen’s 70th year on the throne.
This will be the first time that a British monarch has reached the milestone.
What exactly is being planned for Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee is being kept a closely guarded secret, however, the government promises a ‘spectacular’ week showcasing the best of British culture.
In order to accommodate the celebrations, the May bank holiday weekend is being moved to the start of June, with an additional day being added to the bank holiday calendar.
UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee will be a truly historic moment – and one that deserves a celebration to remember.
“We can all look forward to a special, four-day Jubilee weekend, when we will put on a spectacular, once-in-a-generation show that mixes the best of British ceremonial splendour with cutting edge art and technology.
“It will bring the entire nation and the Commonwealth together in a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s reign.”
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The platinum jubilee offers an opportunity for the Queen to express her thanks for the support and loyalty Her Majesty has received throughout her reign. The Queen hopes that as many people as possible will have the opportunity to join the celebrations.”
Queen Elizabeth has been monarch since the death of her father in 1952. Although she became Queen in February of that year, the celebrations will not take place until June.
This is because of the sensitivity surrounding the death of King George VI, with the start of the year being a time for reflection.
Although the exact plans for 2022 are a closely guarded secret, plans are likely to include a concert outside of the gates of Buckingham Palace – as was the case in 2002 and 2012 for The Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees.
