On February 6 this year, Her Majesty the Queen became the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the realms and the Commonwealth.
To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events will take place throughout 2022, culminating in a four-day nationwide bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June.
In addition to formal events, there will be initiatives such as the Queen’s Green Canopy (tree planting) and the Platinum Pudding competition, both to create a lasting reminder of the Queen’s jubilee. We intend to do some planting in Rye.
Three special displays marking significant occasions in Her Majesty’s reign – the accession, the coronation and jubilees – will be staged at the official royal residences from July 2022.
There is a jubilee medal to commemorate the event. Selected public servants will receive these. The Queen has already awarded the George Cross to the UK’s National Health Service.
Under the Queen’s patronage, the Royal British Legion has just celebrated its centenary which was marked in Rye.
In Rye, various jubilee events are being planned and are shown in the context of the national programme below.
Thursday, June 2
London: The Queen’s birthday parade (trooping the Colour) will mark the Queen’s official birthday, to be held on Horse Guard’s Parade and be supported by a RAF fly-past. This will start the bank holiday and is a change from the usual Saturday Trooping.
Rye:
2pm: The town crier will cry from the steps of the town hall.
Heritage Centre: street party and exhibition about royal visits to Rye.
9:45pm: Rye beacon lighting and possible fireworks.
The long tradition of celebrating royal jubilees with the lighting of beacons will mark the platinum jubilee. Over 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom and UK overseas territories. The principal beacon will be lit in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The Rye beacon, off Udimore Road, will be lit by the Rye Bonfire Boys.
Friday, June 3
London: A service of thanksgiving for the Queen’s reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Rye: a tea party will be organised with ticket only access.
Saturday, June 4
Epsom: The Derby horse race meeting will be attended by Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by members of the royal family.
London: There will be a platinum party at the palace staged by the BBC. This will take the form of a live concert from Buckingham Palace bringing together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant and joyous moments from the Queen’s seven decade reign. Members of the public have been allowed to apply for a pair of tickets. Some in Rye have already done so.
Sunday, June 5
Nationwide: The big Jubilee Lunch will encourage communities to celebrate by coming together in a spirit of fun and friendship to share food and fun with neighbours. Arrangements can be big or small; street party or picnic, tea and cake or a garden barbeque.
Rye: Some citizens and organisations are already planning street and community lunches. We will record these as they are firmed up. Organisers should note that tables, chairs, flags and bunting will be in much demand, so better bid early!
It would be good to see Rye shopkeepers and businesses dressing their windows for the weekend.
From 1pm to 4pm there will be a ticket access lunch event in the Conduit Hill community centre.
At 5pm, there will be a civic service at St Mary’s church. More details shortly.
London: Evening at Buckingham Palace, there will be a platinum jubilee pageant with performers, dancers, musicians, military personnel, key workers and volunteers uniting to tell the story of the Queen’s 70 year reign in a festival of creativity.
Rye district: There is plenty of planning under way in villages surrounding Rye. Nearby, we are aware of proposed events in Rye Foreign (Hub on the Hill) and Peasmarsh.
Publicity
All these events, both central and local, will be publicised in the coming days. Rye Town Council is setting up a website for advertising local events. Details shortly.
Rother District Council has also offered support.
The Royal British Legion will also publicise local details on Facebook: @ryerbl
Image Credits: UK Government .
Have just read that you plan to do some planting in Rye which is wonderful news for the Queen’s Jubilee. A few years ago whilst walking around Hever Castle grounds we picked up some acorns, low and behold we have an oak tree in a pot about 3 and a half foot tall we would love to donate this to the tree planting event. Please let me know how we go about this.
Pamela. Will do. All these events will be publicised over the next few weeks. There will be opportunities for everyone to get involved , or not, as they wish.
At the same time as I deliver the Cry from the Town Hall steps, the Deputy Town Crier, Michael Blumel, will be delivering the same Cry in the Tilling Green area (exact location to be announced).
Paul. Thanks. Deputy Town Crier? Wow! In addition there might be other elements after your cry!