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If you're in Manchester for the Platinum Jubilee long weekend in June, then you might be wondering how you can get involved with all the celebrations. To mark this very special moment in history, there is loads happening across Manchester for The Queen's Jubilee.
From vintage train travel to Jubilee afternoon teas, the long bank holiday weekend – from Thursday 2nd June – promises to bring lots of fun and cheer to Manchester. Even just walking around the city, you're bound to stumble upon plenty of pop-ups and themed events!
Read on for our guide to the Platinum Jubilee long weekend.
The Manchester Flower Show
When: Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June
Where: Manchester City Centre
Manchester is going all out for The Queen’s Jubilee. To celebrate this very special and momentous occasion, Manchester city centre will be alive with all sorts of floral blooms with flower displays and pop-up gardens all around the city. There will also be lots of alfresco food and drink in the city’s shops, bars and restaurants. It’ll probably be the biggest party you ever attend, so definitely get yourself to Manchester city centre during the extra-long Platinum Jubilee weekend and get involved.
Platinum Jubilee Weekend at ELR
When: Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th June
Where: Bury and Ramsbottom ELR stations
The East Lancashire Railway are going back to the 1940s and 1950s in style for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. In tribute to Her Majesty, there will be a whole host of ‘old timey’ activities and entertainment along the ELR line. You can enjoy the Vintage Bar Car or travel in royal style in the Observation Saloon. There will also be live music, dance classes, vintage stalls, and period cars at Bury and Ramsbottom stations.
Attend a street party
When: 2nd to 5th June 2022
Where: A street near you!
Keep your celebrations within your postcode by attending a local street party! What better way to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee than by a knee’s up with your neighbours? While it might feel awfully twee – or even just a very foreign concept in 2022 – getting together with people geographically close to you, from all walks of life, while being surrounded by tea, cakes, and bunting, could actually be quite fun! Some street parties are listed on the official Platinum Jubilee government website, otherwise don’t be afraid to ask your neighbours!
An Evening With Queen
When: Thursday 2nd June 2022, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Where: Edgeley Park, Stockport
No, not an evening with The Queen, but an evening with Queen, or at least an incredible imitation of the band. Set to perform at Stockport County's Edgeley Park is an incredible Queen tribute band, a dazzling collection of performers from London’s West End, including former stars from the smash hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’. They'll come together to perform dozens of hits from Queen's incredible back catalogue, an incredible tribute to one of the world’s great rock bands.
Didsbury Bicycle Hire
When: Across the Jubilee weekend
Where: Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens, Didsbury
Stretch your legs and get out of the city for the Platinum Jubilee Weekend. Didsbury Cycle Hire is a community-based bike hire company that boasts a range of retro Pashley bicycles. They offer picnic hamper packages that, along with your bike hire, come with a locally sourced seasonal food hamper, soft woollen picnic blankets, portable leather radios, and even fresh flowers. They offer a range of different packages and can work with you to create something bespoke if you have an extra special occasion to celebrate.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at IWM North
When: 1st to 30th June 2022
Where: Imperial War Museum North
To mark the Platinum Jubilee, IWM North have a very special exhibition which explores the role of The Royal Family in conflict through projections of film and photography. WWII broke out when The Queen was 13 years old, and upon joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945, she became the first woman in The Royal Family to enlist as a full-time member of the armed services. Since then, she has supported those who serve in her role as Head of the Armed Forces.
The exhibition looks at how Her Majesty has maintained an enduring relationship with the armed forces through times of conflict and how she has honoured those affected by war at home and across the world.
Bottomless Afternoon Tea
When: Across the Jubilee weekend
Where: Cherry Jam, Stockport
This probably isn’t how they did 4 o’clock tea back in the day, but then again, it’s not every day that you celebrate a Platinum Jubilee! With a gorgeous 1960s/1970s theme, Cherry Jam in Stockport is a vintage lovers paradise, but where it shines is in its afternoon tea offering. Fluffy scones and a variety of sandwiches mean you certainly won’t be left hungry at the end of your experience. As for the bottomless bit, cocktails on offer include French Martini, Bloody Mary, Kiwi Highball and a Spring Time Spritz. Cheers to that!
To stay in luxury in Manchester over the Platinum Jubilee weekend, CitySuites and CitySuites II have a range of different serviced apartments suitable for your needs. Our buildings are just next door to each other, and are located just off Deansgate in the city centre. Book your stay with us here!
