Just in case you’re planning to head up to the Big Smoke aka London Town over the Diamond Jubilee Weekend, we thought at Door2Tour that this mini guide might be helpful. We’ve included what is happening, on what day and have given approximate timings so you can make tracks to reserve your perfect spot for a glimpse of The Queen over her special Diamond Jubilee weekend.
Saturday 2nd June 2012
The Epsom Derby Festival will be the official opening ceremony for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with The Queen and possibly other members of The Royal Family in attendance. The Derby dates back to 1780 and is ranked as one of the greatest flat races in the world where the biggest prize in money can be won. The times for the racing are as follows:
13.35 – The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Handicap sponsored by Investec)
14.05 – The Investec Woodcote Stakes (Listed Race)
14.40 – The Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup (Group 1 sponsored by Investec)
15.15 – The Investec Specialist Bank ‘Dash’ (Handicap)
16.00 – The Investec Derby (Group 1)
16.50 – The Investec Zebra Stakes (Handicap)
17.25 – The Investec Out Of The Ordinary Stakes 6 Furlongs (Handicap)
Sunday 3rd June 2012
There are a couple of big events taking place on the Sunday, starting with The Big Jubilee Lunch where people are encouraged to share lunch with their neighbours, friends and loved ones. The next event to take place is The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant where a flotilla of up to 1,000 boats will sail up the River Thames. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will be the centrepiece of the flotilla travelling on the Royal Barge. Here are the approximate timings:
14.30 – The Queen embarks the Royal Barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, near Albert Bridge
16.15 – The Royal Barge comes alongside HMS President (Royal Naval Reserve Unit) near Tower Bridge.
Monday 4th June 2012
Again, there are a couple of events taking place this day including the BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace which will be televised. There will be a host of performers from the world of music taking part including Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Jessie J, Kylie Minogue and many more. Other names are due to be announced shortly and the Concert will take place in the surroundings of the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. It will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC One HD and on Radio 2 in the UK and to millions worldwide. Once the concert has finished, a network of 2,012 Beacons will be lit by communities throughout the UK and across the world. The Queen will light the National Beacon in London at approximately 22.30 and this will be the last beacon in the UK chain. Approximate timings for this are as follows:
19.30 – Concert is scheduled to start
After 22.30 – The Queen will light the National Beacon outside Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 5th June 2012
This is when the celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee will culminate in Central London with a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, two receptions, a lunch at Westminster Hall, a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace, a balcony appearance by the Royal Family, a fly past and Feu de Joie. Here are the approximate timings:
10.15 – The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace by car
10.30 to 11.30 – A service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral with the Royal Family in attendance
12.30 – The Queen will travel by car from Mansion House to the Palace of Westminster
14.20 – Carriage Procession from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace commences
15.25 – Royal Family will appear on the Balcony at Buckingham Palace
Don’t forget to send in your pics of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and we’ll post our favourites on our Facebook/Twitter pages – can’t wait to see them…