History is almost upon us as we gear up to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this June. From street parties and parades to afternoon teas and even ‘pooch parties’, there will be plenty going on in Greater Manchester to get involved in.
Queen Elizabeth II has sat on the throne and led the nation since February 1952. Earlier this year, The Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee - an achievement marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
To celebrate the royal feat, we have been granted a national Bank Holiday on Friday, June 3. Better yet, the day comes after the Spring Bank Holiday on Thursday, June 2 which means that many will get to bask in the delights of a four-day weekend.
READ MORE: The Refuge is planning a Jubilee courtyard street party
The Platinum Jubilee will be a chance for ‘communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone’, and nothing says four-day weekend like pitchers of a royal-themed cocktail, Punch and Judy shows, Reggae DJ club nights and, naturally, the Cheeky Girls.
To help you make those all-important plans, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best events happening across Greater Manchester over the four-day holiday covering live events, parades, parties and other fun things to do.
Parties
Moxy Jubilee Pooch Party
Paws up as The Moxy hotel on Atkinson Street, near Deansgate, will be hosting a royal Pooch Party. The event will feature a DJ, doggie ice cream, ball pits and tunnels and photo booths for you to enjoy with your canine companion.
Entry also includes a British-inspired cocktail on arrival while your pooch will also get to sip on a Puppuccino. There will also be sweet treats from The Dog Shop to buy, and an exclusive collaboration with Floral Collective MCR, offering beautiful flower crowns and collars. Hey Little Cupcake will be returning again with their delicious homemade delights.
There will also be a competition for the best fancy dressed pup with a chance to win an overnight stay with breakfast for two, and 2nd and 3rd prizes also up for grabs. If you bring a Corgi, it's instant free entry to the party! Tickets are available to purchase here.
Trafford Palazzo’s ‘Right Royal Party’
Taking place a week ahead (!!) of the Jubilee celebrations, Trafford Palazzo at The Trafford Centre’s TraffordCity will host a ‘right royal party’ on May 28 and 29. The ‘quintessentially British’ street party will celebrate the ‘Best of British’ with arts and crafts, bunting making, quizzes and Jubilee-themed face painting, as well as live entertainment from a brass band and dancing “Royal” guards. More info here.
The Refuge’s Jubilee Street Party
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel will be taking over The Refuge’s terrace for a Jubilee street party like no other. The event, taking place from 2pm on Friday, June 3, will feature a diverse range of up-and-coming talent alongside established names from around Manchester playing music with a ‘tongue-in-cheek nod’ to the royal family.
Eves’Drop Collective, La Presidenta aka Ms. Puerto Rico, and Reggae DJ, UK Hip Hop pioneer and producer Mikey D.O.N. are amongst those taking over the decks. Tickets (including entry, street food nibbles and a signature cocktail) available here.
Moss Side community allotment's Get Together Party
Moss Side community allotment on Caythorpe Street will be hosting a Jubilee community get together party on June 3. The event will feature a BBQ, making use of the onsite clay oven. The community group, which has been running since 2011, grows organic fruit and veg so expect plenty of that to feature within the party menu too. Find more on the group’s Facebook page here.
Platinum Jubilee Picnic in Clarence Park
Clarence Park on Walmersley Road in Bury will be hosting a 1950’s-themed picnic with live music, entertainment and plenty of refreshments on June 5. Organised by the Friends of Clarence Park group, people are being encouraged to dress up in 50’s style or even Royal regalia! Bring your own picnic lunch or grab a cream tea from the Green Cafe. More details here or email friendsofclarencepark@gmail.com.
Bowlee Jubilee Family Fete, Middleton
Rotary Middleton will host a family fete on June 4 at Bowlee Country Park, off Heywood Old Road. The event will feature plenty of family fun, including entertainment, food, craft stalls, rides, and much more. The event takes place from 12pm. More info here.
Jubilee Family Picnic, Heald Green
The Heald Green Ratepayers’ Association are hosting a jubilee picnic at Heald Green Playing Fields on June 2. The event will feature live children’s entertainment, a live band, drinks and refreshments along with activities and stalls from local community organisations. More info here.
Jubilee Indoor Street Party, Bolton
The Victoria Hall in Bolton will host an indoor street party on June 2, serving up plenty of food and activities. Tickets £3-5. More info here.
Stockport’s Secret Street Party
Hosted on the Underbanks, Stockport’s Secret Party on June 4 will feature live music from The Tall Faces Band as well as local duo Blank Cheque, and DJ sets from DJ Clint Boon and SK1 Records. Alongside music, there will also be jewellery making, comic book and painting workshops, as well as bunting masterclasses.
Local businesses and outdoor bars will provide food and drink at Stockport Market while there will also be a 'The Queen’s Hat Trail’ taking place across the town courtesy of Stockport Museum. The trial begins May 31 and runs until June 12, but the museum will be closed on June 2-3.
Big Band Street Party, Oldham
The English Jazz Orchestra will be hosting a street party at Whittles@Tokyo in Oldham on June 5. The free event will also feature afternoon tea boxes, DJs and more fun. Free tickets here.
Jubilee Party in Stanley Square
A special Jubilee party will be held in Stanley Square in Sale on June 4 from 1pm. The party will feature live music, a brass band, DJs and plenty of kids activities, with entry free. More info here.
Community Jubilee Fun Day, Stockport
The Railway Club on Edgely Road in Stockport will host a day of fun activities on June 4. The event will feature live music, kids activities, a BBQ, traditional games and even a Bake Off competition. More details here.
Jubilee Party in the Park, Wigan
Mesnes Park in Wigan will also host a Jubilee party on June 4. The event will feature entertainment, stalls, funfair rides, street theatre, food, and more. The event kicks off from 11am, with more info here.
Platinum Picnic in the Park, Salford
Lightoaks Park on Claremont Road will host a park picnic on June 3 from 12pm to 4pm. The event will feature plenty of games, activities and music and is free to attend.
Live Events and festivals
Fit For A Queen
Manchester’s Gay Village will celebrate the Jubilee with the ‘Fit for A Queen’ festival at Sackville Gardens on Saturday, June 4. Hosted by drag queen Victoria Secret, the event will feature the Vengaboys, Cascada, Atomic Kitten, Big Brovaz and the Cheeky Girls with a day-long fun-filled event. The party kicks off at 12pm and will go on all day, with last entry at 6pm. Tickets available here.
An Evening with Queen
Stockport County’s Edgeley Park will celebrate one Queen’s Jubilee by playing host to another. Stars from London’s smash hit West End musical theatre show ‘We Will Rock You’ will perform some of Queen’s greatest hits on Thursday, June 2.
The event will take place from 6.30pm with support acts leading up to the big show and food and drink from traders including the award-winning Great North Pie Co. Tickets from £15 and can be bought here.
Street Eat festival
Offering up a right royal feast in Rochdale will be Street Eat festival - making its return for the first time since 2019. The event brings together the town’s best food and drink offering alongside live entertainment.
Street Eat will take place at The Butts in the city centre from 11am to 7pm on Friday, June 3, where local traders - including Bombay Brew, The Medicine Tap, and Uno Burrito - will be on hand to serve up mouth-watering dishes and thirst-quenching drinks. There will also be Punch and Judy shows and a helter skelter for kids, while musical entertainment will come from the likes of Jackson Kay, Noel Fraser and Turners Dance School. Visit www.rochdalebid.co.uk for more info.
Drag Queen Bingo
Back in 1952, it was rumoured that the queen insisted that her Platinum Jubilee would not go ahead without drag queens milking their opportunity for a celebration, so she will be pleased to hear that there will, of course, be drag galore across Manchester.
Pong & Puck at the Great Northern Warehouse will be hosting a special music drag bingo night for fans of 80s, 90s and 00s tunes from 7pm on Friday, June 3. Hosted by the legendary Miss Ginger Hunter, the night will feature crown making competitions and prosecco pong alongside musical bingo, royal quizzes and plenty of sass. Tickets are £10 per person and include a welcome cocktail on arrival. Tickets here.
The Manchester Flower Show
Manchester’s annual floral takeover will make a return to the city-region with stunning show gardens, cocktails, live music and even a Queen’s Jubilee Floral Trail. Taking place from June 2-5, city centre shops and businesses will be transformed into a ‘floral extravaganza’ featuring beautiful gardens and flowers.
The Queen’s Jubilee Trail will feature ten stunning professional displays located across the city centre inspired by the Queen’s 70 years of service, the Crown Jewels, the Changing of the Guard, the Queen’s love of horses and more. Further details here.
Festival Oldham
Oldham’s annual outdoor arts festival will mark its 25th year with a two-day festival of art and entertainment in the town centre on June 2-3. Taking inspiration from the Monarch, the Jubilee weekend will feature outdoor performances, while the Big Jubilee Street Party on June 3 will feature a host of great local bands on the Platinum Jubilee Bandstand in front of the Old Town Hall.
Performers including Elton Wrong, The Cake Ladies and the Comedy Waiters will all be on hand to make sure it’s a Jubilee to remember.
Manto reunion
To mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, iconic Canal Street bar Manto will be making a return for one night only. The 90s staple has since closed down but a reunion event will take place on June 4 at On Bar, with with performances from Dylan Jeffers, Daz G, Nik Denton and Martin Turner. More info here.
Cheadle Jubilee Arts Festival
Organised by Cheadle Village Partnership, the Cheadle Jubilee Arts Festival will take place from June 2-4 at St Mary’s Parish Church. The event will feature artists, craftspeople and school pupils hosting a series of workshops alongside a corgi trail and food stalls.
The event will conclude with a special Jubilee service in the Church at 10am on June 5, with iJuice Puppets and other activities, There will also be an open air ‘Song of Praise’ event in the churchyard at 6.30pm, including planting the Jubilee Yew tree in the churchyard. More info here.
Jubilee weekend, RHS Garden Bridgewater
From June 2 - 5, RHS Garden Bridgewater in Worsley will host vibrant performances from a range of talented brass bands alongside the planting of a Jubilee tree. The event is free to attend, and takes place from 10am-6pm. More info here.
Irwell Weekender
On June 4 to 5, Irwell Weekender will host an outdoor celebration of fun-packed activities, games and performances.
Saturday’s festivities will be held at Drinkwater Park, Prestwich (M25 9XW) where performances, activities and sensory delights will await. There will be also be a cycling parade throughout the park too.
On Sunday, Kersal Wetlands will host a sports day celebrating the Commonwealth Games. The event will feature Walk the Plank’s whimsical inventions, including The Climate Change Mythbuster and the Collector’s Magpie Puppet. Coalesce Dance will also be performing their family-friendly show ‘Old Green Time Machine’. More info here.
East Lancs Railway Jubilee event
East Lancashire Railway will host a colourful celebration of the late 1940's and early 1950's with their Platinum Jubilee Weekend event. There will be events all along the 12-mile line, with attendees able to hop on and off steam and heritage diesel trains throughout the day. The event will feature live music, dancing classes, vintage stalls and period cars. More info and tickets here.
The Lowry's Jubilee Weekend
The Lowry will host a selection of events over the four-day weekend, including a series of family activity sessions at The Lookout every day - ranging from storytelling and crafts, drama fun, and a family swing dance party on the Sunday. There will also be limited edition 'Lowry Afternoon Tea' boxes available to buy from The Lowry shop,.
The gallery will also host a new free Barrowland Ballet exhibition running at the gallery from May 28 to June 26. In addition, a Jubillee Makers Market at Quayside Media City will offer some great bargains from local stalls. More info on all events on the Lowry website.
Music through the Ages, Worthington Park
Worthington Park in Sale will host a special event organised by the Friends of Worthington Park on June 3 from 12pm. The event will feature a dog show, DJs, choirs, face painting, craft stalls and a performance from the Canal Street Stompers jazz band. More info here.
Brandlesholme Community Festival
All Saints Church in Bury will host a 'Right Royal Knees Up' festival from 1-3.30pm on June 5 at All Saints and Saint Francis House Community Centre. The event will feature live music, face painting, family games and entertainers. More info here.
Platinum Jubilee Concert, Oldham
A special concert from the Greenfield Brass Band will take place at Uppermill Civic Hall on June 3, 7.30pm. The event will also feature international cornet soloist Angelo Bearpark and the Oldham Music Service Youth Brass Brand. Tickets can be bought here.
Regally Royal Tea Party, Buile Hill
A tea party fit for the royals will take place at Buile Hill Park in Salford on June 2. The event will be hosted on the main field outside Buile Hill Mansion, with families invited to bring their own picnics and enjoy a host of entertainment. Artists including the Batida Rio Samba band will be performing on the day, while a procession of crowns and tiaras made earlier in the day will also take place. More info here.
Circle Square party
Circle Square on Oxford Road will host a Jubilee party on June 3 from 11am until 6pm at Symphony Park (M1 7ED). The event will feature a wide array of pop-up food and drink vendors, including freshly baked goods from Tahi and 'queen' bear ice cream cones from Hello Oriental.
Throughout the day, there will also be a variety of family-friendly activities and live entertainment, while The Blossoming Big Red Bus will feature a ‘Queen’tessentially’ British floral display as part of the Manchester Flower Show. All flowers featured at Circle Square's event will be donated to Holy Name Primary Schools Eco Garden and Forest School afterwards. More info here.
Trafford Centre's Jubilee Celebrations
The Trafford Centre will host a day full of celebrations on June 2 from 12pm to 10pm. The event will start with a tea dance performed by the Miss Joanne Farnell School of Dancing from 12-3pm on the main stage in The Orient, while there will also be performances from Louby Lou and local musicians throughout the day.
Approximately 600 local Girlguiding members from Salford and Trafford will be joining in on the day-long festivities, while Selfridges will host a Jubilee-themed craft making workshop for children. More details here.
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, Bury Parish Church
Bury Parish Church will host a night of ‘Music for Royal Occasions’ on June 3 at 7pm. The event will feature a choir performing songs from coronation services over the centuries, with tea and coffee after. The event is free to attend with no booking required. Details here.
La Discotheque Queens, Albert Hall
Albert Hall will be hosting a drag queen Jubilee bottomless brunch on June 3 with a lineup of acts paying tribute to the likes of Diana Ross, Chaka Khan and Donna Summer.
Performers include Lill, Banksie, and Val Qaeda with proceedings hosted by Miss Blair. There will be 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and a summer picnic to feast on. More info here.
Exhibitions
Central Library exhibition
Manchester City Council, Archives+ and Manchester Metropolitan University have curated an exhibition celebrating the triumphs of Queen Elizabeth II. Featuring special video clips extracted from historic archives especially for the exhibition, the exhibition features milestones and key moments in the Queen’s life.
The exhibition runs from May 5 to June 30 on the ground floor of Central Library.
IWM North exhibition
Imperial War Museum North, based at Salford Quays, will explore the role of The Royal Family in conflict, tracing The Queen’s personal experience of war through projections of film and photography.
The exhibition follows The Queen’s long history of involvement with the military and demonstrates the various roles she has played in war and peacetime. The exhibition runs from June 1-30, admission is free. More information here.
Beacon lighting events
Carrington
Carrington Recreational Field on Manchester Road (M31 4BX) will host a Jubilee beacon event on June 2 from 6pm. The beacon event, thought to be one of only four in Greater Manchester, will feature children's fair rides and games, food stalls, fireworks and live music from Colin Paul and the Persuaders and Alan Gagan Piper. The event is free to attend but tickets are required.
Oldham
Oldham Council will be holding a Beacon lighting and torchlit procession on June 2 in the town centre. 70 torchbearers, nominated by local residents, will parade through the town centre to Oldham Parish Church, before joining the rest of the United Kingdom in the lighting of a Platinum Jubilee Beacon.
The procession arrives in the Church gardens at 9.15pm and features appearances from Oldham’s Scottish Pipe Band, Oldham Choral Society and Oldham’s Lees band. Oldham Parish Church bell ringers will close the occasion. Free entry but tickets required.
Saddleworth
Saddleworth will also host a beacon lighting ceremony at Uppermill Conservative Club on June 2. Local councillors Max Woodvine and Luke Lancaster have organised the High Street ceremony, which takes place from 9pm and will feature Greenfield Band, the Reverend Monsignor Bernard Bickers and Parish Council's Chair, Cllr Pam Byrne.
Bury
A beacon lighting ceremony will take place at Peel Tower, Holcombe Hill on June 2. The ceremony will feature a piper and the Greater Manchester Army Cadets Corp of Drums, who will perform music written especially for the Platinum Jubilee before the beacon lighting at 9.45pm.
Salford
Buile Hill Park will host Salford’s only community beacon lighting ceremony, which will be held on June 2 from 9pm. The event will feature a local choir alongside fire drawings from arts company Walk The Plank.
Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre will also host a beacon lighting ceremony on June 2. The event will be hosted by the Girlguiding Greater Manchester West group making up more than 600 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Entertainment begins from 7pm at the main stage in The Orient, with the beacon lighting taking place outside the Great Hall at 9.45pm.
Stockport
A beacon will also be lit in Stockport in the market place. The event will take place at the same time as other events around the country: 9.45pm on June 2. As expected, there will be more beacon events lined up closer to the date, so be sure to check your local authority for further info.
Street Parties
We've rounded up all of the local street parties taking place over the four-day weekend. You can find out more about some of the events taking place in Rochdale here, whilst Stockport's big events can be found here.
Other key bank holiday events
It will be a busy bank holiday weekend as there are plenty of other events taking place too, such as Cheshire Fest 2022 at Moseley Hall Farm in Knutsford from June 2-5. There will also be the Red Bank Cider Fête from June 1-2 at the Green Quarter's GRUB and the Jubilee Food & Beer Festival in Standish on June 3-4.
Things to do
With a few days off, this bank holiday weekend is also the ideal chance to enjoy more of what the city-region has to offer. If you're after something a bit more chill, we've rounded up some of the best country walks and hikes in and near Manchester, while your taste buds will also thank us for our look at the 18 best restaurants in Greater Manchester according to the Michelin Guide.
Shop opening times and relevant closures
It looks like most supermarkets will operate normal weekend opening times over the bank holiday, although some stores that are usually open late or until midnight will be expected to close a bit earlier. To avoid upset, buy your scones and Pimm's as early as you can!
There are also expected to be some road closures in place around Greater Manchester over the weekend, particularly around residential areas where there will be street parties held. We'll provide more information on these closures as and when we get them - but keep an eye on our Queen's Platinum Jubilee section for all the updates.
