Major concert this summer to mark Queen’s Jubilee
By Hannah Neary, Local Democracy Reporter
A major concert with some of the biggest names in entertainment will be broadcast by the BBC this summer to mark the Jubilee.
The BBC’s “Platinum Party at the Palace” on Saturday, June 4 will feature a huge stage in front of Buckingham Palace.
The concert will be streamed on huge screens in St James’ Park and other sites across the country.
The “Platinum Pageant” will take place on the Sunday – a festival with dancers, musicians and military personnel will act-out the story of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
Five different food and drinks stalls across Westminster are also planned to host revellers as well as one or two “champagne gardens”.
The details of the celebrations have been unveiled as the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) applied to Westminster City council for a license to sell booze across the Royal Parks and hold performances throughout Westminster.
A letter from civil servant Andrew Dent, who is leading the event, says: “DCMS is delighted to be supporting the royal household in the delivery of national opportunities to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen.
“With a stunning stage design in front of this iconic royal residence, the event will feature a range of musical highlights from global pop stars to rock royalty to opera singers with a full, live orchestra.
“Stars from film, TV and the stage will also tell the story and celebrate some of the most significant cultural moments from the Queen’s reign.”
The performers have not as yet been revealed.
Mr Dent also said the Government hopes to hold rehearsals for the concert on the Friday and has been working closely with a range of authorities like the Met Police, Royal Parks and Westminster City Council to ensure the weekend runs smoothly.
Visitors will need a ticket for seating at the BBC concert by the Queen Victoria Memorial but the public will be able to watch from all other public sites.
About 22,000 tickets will be available to the public by ballot and also to charities.
Pictured top: The Queen arrives at the Palace (Picture: PA)