Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
2022 is the year of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. To commemorate this historic milestone, a series of events and initiatives will be held throughout Norfolk to celebrate the occasion and leave an enduring legacy for our county.
Thousands of beacons will light up the sky on 2 June, marking celebrations for the 70th Jubilee of the Queen, launching a weekend of events honouring the monarch. The Queen is the longest reigning monarch since her ascension to the throne in 1952 at the age of 25.
The Queen and the wider Royal Family have deeply-rooted connections to Norfolk. Sandringham Estate is the Queen’s beloved country retreat — she celebrated the anniversary of her ascension at the house in February this year. The Estate has been the private home to four generations of British Monarchs since 1862.
A variety of events and celebrations have been organised across East Anglia for the extended bank holiday spanning Thursday 2nd June – Sunday 5th June. The coordination of celebrations in Norfolk has been executed by The Lady Dannatt MBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk.
Each county has a Lord-Lieutenant appointed by the Queen as a representative — Lady Dannatt was appointed in 2019 — and is supported by Deputy Lieutenants. The Lady Dannatt has been hard at work, organising celebratory events marking the Platinum Jubilee.
“The Queen is deeply loved here in Norfolk. To demonstrate our affection and enormous gratitude for Her Majesty’s 70 years of remarkable service, we have put together a very special series of events to honour a very special lady. Please join us at as many events as you can. I can think of no better way of honouring Her Majesty the Queen during her extraordinary Platinum Jubilee Year than this,” The Lady Dannatt said on the Norfolk Jubilee website.
Jubilee Trails
Jubilee trails are being developed across Norfolk to commemorate the occasion, promoting important elements of the celebrations: Accessibility to the natural world, encouraging exercise and outdoor experience, resulting in the potential education and well-being benefits.
The trails will extend existing footpaths around the county, increasing accessibility to areas of natural beauty, and creating safe links between towns.
Thomas Courtauld, Deputy Lieutenant to Norfolk, said, “I have hugely enjoyed the challenge of developing these trails and been fantastically encouraged by the depth of support we have received from so many organisations and stakeholders keen to help create this wonderful legacy.”
www.platinumjubileenorfolk.org
Challenge awards
People wishing to participate in the celebrations on a more personal level could take on a challenge in honour of the Queen. The awards were developed by way of tribute to the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Participants of any age will take on physical, sustainability, community and learning challenges of any level.
“This is for anyone and everyone, young or young at heart, of any ability level, who is prepared to challenge themselves. We hope that everyone taking part will enjoy themselves and in so doing celebrate our Queen’s remarkable 70 year reign.” Said Patrick Peal, Deputy Lieutenant.
A Big Sing
Over 1,600 Norfolk school children, the 60-strong Norfolk Music Hub Ensemble, Norca Sistema’s Samba band and the Norfolk African Choir are just some of the talents that will contribute to a musical performance honouring the Queen at the Royal Norfolk Show.
The performance will take place in the evening allowing everyone free access — entry to the showground is free after 1600.
When the Queen learned of her father’s passing, she was in Kenya. Swahili songs will open the performance to recognise this connection, accompanied by the Samba band.
“A remarkable achievement deserves a special tribute from Her Majesty’s favourite county. Come and help celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s seventy years on the throne with a Big Sing.” Peter Wilson MBE, Deputy Lieutenant, organiser of The Royal Salute.
The Queen’s Canopy
This initiative is encouraging people to plant a tree to mark the Queen’s Jubilee. Any individual, group, organisation, school or community can plan a tree plating from October to the end of the Jubilee year.
With a focus on planting sustainably, the QGC will encourage planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, which will benefit future generations.
Events will be happening across the county to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Here are some you won’t want to miss.
Kings Lynn
The town will be kicking off celebrations with a beacon lighting on the 2 June before a parade and live music over the next two days. A Jubilee picnic and fun-day will round off celebrations on Sunday 5 June.
Norwich
Across the Jubilee weekend, Norwich will be playing host to live music. There will be live bands and food vendors available on 3 June at Brickmakers, along with licensed bars. There will also be the Norwich “Big Jubilee Lunch” alongside Norwich City Hall hosted by the Mayor on 4 June.
Norwich Cathedral will host a concert of Coronation Anthems featuring the Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir and Norwich Baroque.
Sandringham
Sandringham will be the centrepiece for Norfolk Jubilee celebrations in June. A special exhibition inside the Ballroom at Sandringham House will go on display from 9 April – 13 October, with formal commemorative planting in the gardens from May.
In June, the Jubilee beacon will be lit to start the weekend off. Friday 3 June will see an open air concert by Katherine Jenkins, featuring The Military Wives choir. A live screening of the Platinum Party at the Palace will be shown on a big screen in the Royal Parkland on Saturday 4 June.
The weekend will culminate with a pageant on the estate showcasing a decade of motoring, accompanied by live music and aerial displays.
Dereham
Dereham Theatre Company is an arts charity run by volunteers and will be hosting an afternoon tea and afterparty event at Dereham Memorial Hall on Sunday 5 June.