2022 marks a special year for Her Majesty The Queen who will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, says the Lord-Lieutenancy of the Western Isles.
This represents 70 years as the nation’s Monarch – a feat that no previous British Monarch has achieved.
To commemorate this historic achievement, a series of public events and initiatives will be held throughout the UK and the Commonwealth to give the public the opportunity to come together, celebrate and thank Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for a remarkable reign.
The UK Government has agreed that a series of public events and community activities will be held during the first week of June 2022 with an extended 4-day UK Bank Holiday from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June.
The proposed programme for this special weekend is as follows:
THURSDAY 2 June - The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) in London.
In the evening, more than 1,500 beacons will be lit to enable communities, individuals and organisations to pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official Platinum Jubilee Weekend of celebrations. The Principal Beacon will be lit by HM The Queen in London at 9.00 pm followed by a network of local beacons throughout the UK from 9.45 pm. Buglers, Pipers and Choirs are being encouraged to participate at these local events. Tunes which have been specially composed for the occasion may be played at the events.
FRIDAY 3 June – A Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral.
SATURDAY 4 June – Platinum Party at the Palace which will be broadcast live by the BBC. Members of the public may apply for tickets for this event.
SUNDAY 5 June – The Big Jubilee Lunch, bringing Jubilee celebrations into the heart of every community.
These events can be a big or small street party, picnic, tea cake or a garden barbeque. Communities are free to organise these events any time during the Jubilee Year to suit local circumstances and traditions. Most of these are likely to be held during the Jubilee weekend and the following week.
Highlighting the significance of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Lord-Lieutenant of the Western Isles Donald Martin said “On previous occasions, communities in the Western Isles came together to share in Her Majesty’s Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee celebrations by organising lunches, lighting their own beacons, street parties, community lunches/tea parties as well as local exhibitions and musical events.
"I am sure that for this unique Platinum Jubilee, communities will wish to take the opportunity to get together to celebrate and express thanks to Her Majesty The Queen for a lifetime of devoted and faithful service to the nation and the Commonwealth”.
In addition to these events, The Queen’s Green Canopy Project is a unique tree planting initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. Individuals, community groups, schools and business organisations throughout the UK are invited to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” and it is hoped that Local Community Land Trusts, landowners and individuals will participate in this unique project.
National Lottery funding is available for some of the local Jubilee events and further information can be obtained on www.www.platinumjubilee.gov.uk/funding
Information about the Jubilee Programme and how individuals and community groups can participate in the celebrations for this historic year in the life of Her Majesty The Queen, is available on the following web-sites: