Redbridge set to become East London's party capital for Platinum Jubilee celebrations

With the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for HM The Queen set to start in just over a week, Redbridge is gearing up to become East London's party capital with a jam-packed weekend of entertainment, pomp and pageantry.

Nearly 100 street parties will take place across the borough on Sunday 5 July, where neighbours will come together to celebrate the occasion in true British style.

Her Majesty the Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. This year, the UK will commemorate this special occasion in the nation's history by celebrating a four-day Bank Holiday from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June. 

Queen Elizabeth II last visited Redbridge with her late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on her Diamond Jubilee back in 2012 when they visited Valentines Mansion. Her Majesty also visited Redbridge as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002.

These are just some of the other celebration events in Redbridge over the weekend.

Ilford High Road entertainment extravaganza:

One of the most exciting and fun places to join in the celebrations during the Platinum Jubilee Weekend will be the Ilford High Road entertainment extravaganza on Saturday 4 June. 

This is a must-attend event for people of all ages. Organised by the Ilford Business Improvement District, a huge street party will start at 1pm and finish at 5pm with a spectacular firework display for party-goers to savour and cap off a memorable afternoon. 

Schools:

Many of our excellent schools will be pulling out all the stops to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee in style with fun-packed events. This will be a unique and unforgettable experience for children and young people in Redbridge – many of whom will be too young to remember the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 or weren't yet born! Our students around the borough will participate in various activities to celebrate and learn about this historic event.

Whether it's attending Jubilee' Street parties' within the school grounds, planting trees as part of The Queen's Green Canopy or being invited to wear red, white and blue clothes or dressing up as royalty themselves, there are plenty of opportunities for our students to celebrate in style!

Platinum Jubilee Beacons:

Please note this event is for invited guests only. Follow our social media for pictures of the Redbridge Platinum Jubilee Beacon Ceremony.

The Platinum Jubilee Beacons is the first community event of the four-day Jubilee Weekend from 2 June to 5 June. 

We're delighted to announce that our Beacon Lighting Ceremony will take place on Thursday, 2 June at 9.45 pm at Redbridge Cycling Centre – the highest point in the borough. The Leader, Cllr Jas Athwal, Mayor, Deputy Lieutenant, Thomas Chan, and a small number of our Unicef Child-Friendly Ambassadors will attend the ceremony.

The Big Jubilee Read:

Get involved with 'The Big Jubilee Read' with Redbridge Libraries. If you love discovering new books head to our libraries and explore the specially curated Jubilee collections, including books listed under 'The Big Jubilee Read' - a national reading project celebrating great reads from across the Commonwealth to coincide with Her Majesty The Queen's Jubilee. 

Di's Diamonds event:

Di's Diamonds at Age UK have teamed up with Redbridge's Kenneth More Theatre to offer an afternoon of tea, scones and songs as part of the borough's Jubilee celebrations. Bring friends, or come along and make new friends for an afternoon of fun to mark the royal milestone.

This free event for residents aged 50 and above takes place on Thursday 9 June at the Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford, 1pm – 3pm. Places are limited, so please book your spot in advance by emailing: disdiamonds@ageukrbh.org.uk or calling 07903 814 076.  

The Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: "After a challenging two years overcoming the pandemic, it is more meaningful than ever to join our friends, family and neighbours to celebrate as a community. We have been working with local people and partners to make sure there is something for everyone this summer as we mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. 

"Join in the fun, whether by attending your local street party, visiting an exhibition on The Queen's life at Redbridge Museum, or planting new trees in one of our parks or local schools. Or come together for festivities in the Town Centre; let us all take this opportunity to celebrate as one Redbridge community."

Platinum Jubilee Magazine:

We hope many of you have received your special Platinum Jubilee magazine, which recently landed on your doorsteps. This magazine has all the information, including street parties, school events, the Ilford Town Centre extravaganza on Saturday 3 June, and other projects we've delivered in support of the Jubilee. It is a must-have item.

We hope you enjoy reading your special Platinum Jubilee Magazine (PDF 10.2MB)

Redbridge Museum Film:

Redbridge Museum have produced a stirring and nostalgic film exploring the visits of Her Majesty the Queen to Redbridge over the past 75 years, including her first visit to the borough the day after Victory in Europe Day during the Second World War. This is a must-watch film for those keen to discover Redbridge's rich royal history.