The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is just a week away. Across Greater Manchester, plans are afoot to make the occasion as memorable as possible.
While there are plenty of street parties and parades in the works, Manchester council has also announced that Piccadilly Gardens will host a party fit for Royalty.
The Jubilee Jamboree will see Piccadilly Gardens transformed into a bustling market, and will be home to a large programme of live music and dance performances. Taking place from 11am to 7pm each day, there'll be plenty of party food on offer, from doughnuts to royalty-themed tipples.
Commenting on the packed schedule of events held across the city, councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester council said: “The Queen's Jubilee is a great opportunity for communities to come together, enjoy the long weekend and take part in the fun! There are lots of exciting events across the city. From foodie treats, to dance parties and film screenings, Manchester City Council is supporting events across the city which has packed the weekend full of activities for ages.
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“We’ve got some brilliant entertainment planned and hope to see Mancunians enjoying the Jubilee weekend in style.”
Celebrations throughout the city kick off on Thursday, June 2, with the lighting of a beacon in St Peter’s Square to mark the historic occasion. The lighting of the beacon - one of thousands being lit across the UK and Commonwealth - will be accompanied by live music performed by a piper and the GMP band.
Elsewhere in the city, shops and restaurants will be transformed into a ‘floral extravaganza’ as part of The Manchester Flower Show. The annual floral takeover makes its return with stunning show gardens, cocktails, live music and even a Queen’s Jubilee Floral Trail.
The trail will feature ten beautiful professional displays located across the city centre inspired by the Queen’s 70 years of service, The Crown Jewels, The Changing of the Guard, and the Queen’s love of horses. There will also be plenty of entertainment on offer, with talks and live music on the main stage in Exchange Square, a Manchester Flower Show Cocktail Trail, pop-up food and drink stalls on New Cathedral Street and Exchange Square, and a flower and craft market on Market Street.
Jane Sharrocks, Manchester Business Improvement District Chair and General Manager of Selfridges Exchange Square said: “The Manchester Flower Show is yet another example of our retail and hospitality sectors coming together to help build back the city post-pandemic. It demonstrates creativity, collaboration and resilience and we’re incredibly grateful to all the artists, community groups, retailers and businesses who are playing their part to bring this beautiful event to our city to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”
For party-seekers, meanwhile, Sackville Gardens will be hosting an all-weekend dance party for those who want to dance their way through the bank holiday weekend. Manchester’s Gay Village will celebrate the occasion with the ‘Fit for a Queen’ festival on Saturday, June 4, with performances from Vengaboys, Cascada, Atomic Kitten, Big Brovaz and the Cheeky Girls.
To round off the extended bank holiday, Manchester City Council will also be hosting a Sunday Funday in Central Library. Central Library will be open on Sunday 5 June between 12 and 4pm for families to enjoy a full day of vintage films, crafts and face painting.
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