This coming Jubilee weekend promises to be a highlight of the Summer. Rather than heading overseas Britons are opting for staycations to make the most of the fabulous festivities occurring nationwide. The London river boat pageant promises to be one of the most elaborate in history and there are a host of fabulous family-orientated events nationwide to mark this historic occasion.
Read on to discover some of the Jubilee kids’ events that we are excited about here London and the surrounds.
Diamond Jubilee Festivals
Jubilee Family Festival, Hyde Park 2nd June – 3rd June (10.30 am– 7.30pm )
Bring the BBQ to Hyde Park for a leisurely viewing of the Royal flotilla away from the river bank. This two day Disney inspired festival is expected to attract around 50,000 ticket holders. The kids will be well entertained with bouncy castles, organised games, face painting and a ‘Disney Finale’ at the end of each day. Enjoy an international take on the celebrations with performances from The Jaipur Maharaja Brass Band and artists from the commonwealth zones setting the mood. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Family Festival at Hyde Park takes place from 10.30am – 7.30pm, Saturday 2nd June – Sunday 3rd June 2012. Adult tickets cost £20.00, while tickets for kids cost £12.50. Children under 3 for free. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £52.00.
Battersea Park Festival, Diamond Jubilee Festival – Battersea Park 3rd June
If you were one of the lucky families to nab tickets to the Battersea Park festival you will be enjoying one of the best views of the river boat pageant in town. Get in the spirit with traditional funfair and Jubilee-themed entertainment including fifties tea dancing, tea gardens and an outdoor cinema showing Coronation Day footage. Kids will enjoy the fairground rides and dedicated regal story telling area. Tickets have officially sold out but you might be able to find them resold on ebay or gumtree.
Big Jubilee Lunch, Royal Naval College – Greenwhich 12 Noon – 5 pm
Head down to the Royal Naval college in Greenwich to see the world’s longest lunch table. Bring your own picnic or sample some of the delicious things at the many market stalls. Enjoy live music and performances throughout the day or take part in a sustainable living workshop. Everyone will have a chance to indulge their Royal Nostalgia on the dance floor with a large scale tea-dance taking place in the evening. Did you know Henry the 8th was born in Greenwich, what a historical spot from which to enjoy a historic event.
Nationwide Jubilee Events – The Big Lunch
Street parties
Get back to tradition and join one of the nationwide get-togethers for neighbours – a great excuse to get to know people, try new things and have a party! The community picnic is certainly the easiest and most authentic way to take part in Sunday’s celebrations.
The BBC has reported that nearly 1000 separate street parties will be taking place nationwide with Bristol topping the tables with the highest number of applications. The Big Lunch initiative run by the Eden project is said to have over 1million participants.
Check out their helpful website for guidelines and recipes for big groups.
Enjoy the Diamond Jubilee in Windsor
Escape London for the leafy gardens of Windsor Castle and the Royal Borough. Parents can nip into the temporary exhibition ‘The Queen: Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years’. On Sunday join the crowds in Alexandra park for the Windsor Big Picnic. This free event includes event, live entertainment, local artistes, book swap and children’s workshops.
