The nation will be treated to an additional bank holiday in 2022 to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The announcement was made earlier today by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and promises ‘a blockbuster weekend of celebrations’ to commemorate Her Majesty’s 70th year on the throne.
The May bank holiday – which usually falls at the end of the month – will be moved to Thursday, June 2, with an additional day on June 3, giving the nation a 4-day-weekend of celebrations.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee will be a truly historic moment – and one that deserves a celebration to remember.
We can all look forward to a special, four-day Jubilee weekend when we will put on a spectacular, once-in-a-generation show that mixes the best of British ceremonial splendour with cutting edge art and technology. It will bring the entire nation and the Commonwealth together in a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s reign.”
Plans for the Platinum Jubilee are being developed in conjunction with some of the UK’s leading creative minds, event organisers and world-class digital design companies. Using the talents of the UK’s cultural and creative sectors, the programme will engage young people from across the Commonwealth and use new technology in exciting ways.
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began on February 6, 1952, with her coronation taking place on June 2 the following year. The Platinum Jubilee will be a historic event reflecting on Her Majesty’s reign, and her impact on the UK, the Commonwealth and the world since she took the throne.
The Queen will be the first British monarch to have reigned for seven decades when she reaches the milestone. In keeping with tradition, a special medal will be designed and awarded to people who work in public service including representatives of the Armed Forces, the emergency services and the prison services. This tradition began during the reign of Queen Victoria when an official medal was designed to mark her 50th anniversary on the throne.
The commemorations are being arranged jointly with The Royal Household and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
