7 FREE events to enjoy this Jubilee bank holiday weekend

With a four-day bank holiday weekend on the horizon (2-5 June), the government is giving us all plenty of time to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, commemorating Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 years on the throne. Whether you’re planning a street party with the neighbours, a picnic in the park with family and friends, or even attempting to make your own version of the newly crowned Platinum Pudding (a delicious sounding lemon Swiss roll and amaretti trifle), marking this historic occasion doesn’t have to mean shelling out a fortune.

Perhaps mindful of the fact that so many of us are struggling with the current cost of living crisis, councils and organisations across the UK are running free events covering everything from live music, tea dances, bbqs and funfairs. Take a look at our round-up of some of the best free entertainment on offer and make this a Platinum Jubilee weekend to remember!

1. DEVON

The English Riviera is marking the Jubilee weekend with a host of exciting free events, including Music on the Meadows (Torre Abbey Meadows, Torquay), the English Riviera Airshow (Paignton), a Jubilee Flotilla (Tor Bay), and the lighting of the Queen’s Jubilee Beacons (Corbyn Head).

2. CARDIFF

In Cardiff, revellers can enjoy the Big Jubilee Picnic in Bute Park, featuring big screen coverage of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant live from London, free music, and a wandering opera. A Military Music Festival and the official Beacon Lighting Ceremony (both Cardiff Bay) are just some of the other events on offer.

3. LONDON

As well as the pomp and pageantry of the Trooping the Colour parade and the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, there are plenty of smaller events happening right across the capital, with every borough keen to get involved. In East London, Spitalfields will play host to a variety of free Jubilee-themed activities, including a traditional tea dance, sports screen, live music from Lindy hop legends Swing Patrol, Latin dancing from Tango Fever, and performances from community choirs.

4. BIRMINGHAM

The UK’s second city will host four days of free live entertainment at Victoria Square, including concerts, street food, funfairs and a beacon lighting ceremony. Highlights include a steel band, duetting pianos, an oomparty brass band, and an evening of British tribute acts featuring Elton John, George Michael and Amy Winehouse.

5. LEEDS

A variety of street parties are planned across Leeds city centre to celebrate the Jubilee in traditional style, including New Briggate, Call Lane, Merrion Street, Lower Briggate and Greek Street. Featuring live music performances, bbqs and street food, the series of free events also includes the World Island Festival and the Leeds Jazz Festival.

6. EDINBURGH

Not to be outdone, Scotland’s capital is getting in on the free Jubilee action with a Platinum Celebration in Princes Street Gardens. Featuring a live feed of the London Platinum Celebrations beneath Edinburgh Castle and entertainment by local performers and the Royal Marines, revellers can also enjoy a free parade and a pipe band performance at Port Seton harbour.

7. BELFAST

As well as the Jubilee Beacon Lighting Ceremony (Titanic Belfast) and themed tea dances at City Hall (which is being lit up in purple in honour of the occasion), residents of Belfast can step back in time and get a flavour of life in the city 70 years ago. 2 Royal Avenue will be transformed into 1950s Belfast, with the venue’s café menu also being adapted to reflect popular dishes from the time.