The UK is preparing for a year of celebrations in 2022 to mark the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. 

The astonishing fact that, in February 2022, Queen Elizabeth II will have reigned for 70 years will be marked by events and activities across the country. Focusing on four days of celebration from 2 - 5 June, 2022 will be a truly magical time to visit the United Kingdom.

Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 when she was 25 years old.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Throughout the year, Her Majesty and members of the British Royal Family will travel around the country to undertake a variety of engagements to mark this historic occasion culminating with the focal point of the Platinum Jubilee Weekend in June.

An extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June, will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the UK to come together to celebrate.

© VisitBritain / David Shepherd

The four day celebrations will feature an extensive programme of events that mix the best of British ceremonial splendour and pageantry with cutting edge artistic and technological displays. Public events and community activities will also be interspersed with national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.

Highlights of the Platinum Jubilee Weekend celebrations include:

Thursday 2 June

The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour): Over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come together in London to mark The Queen's official birthday, usually held on the second Saturday in June. 

Friday 3 June

Service of Thanksgiving: A Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

St Paul's Cathedral, London © VisitBritain / Richard Allen

Saturday 4 June

The Derby at Epsom Downs: Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs, one of the UK’s most prestigious horse races.

Platinum Party at the Palace: A special live concert from Buckingham Palace will bring together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant and joyous moments from The Queen’s seven decade reign. (Tickets available for UK residents.)

Sunday 5 June

The Big Jubilee Lunch: People across the UK are invited to share friendship, food and fun with neighbours, friends and family as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

© VisitBritain / David Shepherd

The Platinum Jubilee Pageant: A pageant featuring over 5,000 people from across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth will take place against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace and the surrounding streets. It will combine street arts, theatre, music, circus, carnival and costume and celebrate the service of Her Majesty’s reign, as well as honouring the collective service of people and communities across the country.

While some of the events have limited access for visitors, the atmosphere in London and the rest of the UK during the Platinum Jubilee Weekend is sure to be fantastic and there will be plenty of free activities for travellers to the UK to enjoy. Plans for the rest of 2022 will be rolled out in the coming months.

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, said: "Excitement is already building as we look forward to Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. People all over the country will be celebrating and paying their respects to our much-loved monarch, in thanks for her 70 years of dedicated service."

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of London or the United Kingdom in 2022, experiencing the atmosphere of these unique celebrations, please do contact our friendly team. We are well placed to advise on the best options for your clients to make the most of their vacation and to experience at least some of the jubilee festivities.

You can also follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II on our Royal Britain tour, or why not explore England’s history with a tour of its Royal Palaces and Castles?