The English Riviera will be the place to be during the historic weekend marking Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee! There’s plenty happening in Torbay during the bank holiday in June. You can expect the renowned English Riviera Airshow, Music on the Meadow, a Jubilee Flotilla and The Queen’s Jubilee Beacons, all packed into one exciting bank holiday weekend. So get the 2nd 5th June 2022 in your diaries to visit the English Riviera and join in with the festivities!
What is the Platinum Jubilee?
In 2022, HM The Queen will become the first British monarch to commemorate a Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years of service. The UK will enjoy a four day bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd June – Sunday 5th June 2022.
Throughout the UK and the commonwealth, there will be a national celebration with public events, community activities and traditional festivities.
What's happening on the English Riviera for the Platinum Jubilee?
Torquay, Paignton and Brixham can expect a jam-packed programme of events over the Platinum Jubilee weekend. Here’s a taster of what to expect, but there are plenty of other events too. Head to our What’s On Calendar to see all the events on the bank holiday weekend.
Thursday 2nd June: Beacons light up the Bay
There is a long tradition of celebrating royal occasions with lighting of beacons throughout the UK and the commonwealth. On 2 June 2022, the UK will be flooded with a stream of light as more than 1,500 beacons are lit in recognition of HM The Queen’s incredible 70 year reign.
On the English Riviera, the lighting of the Queen’s Jubilee Beacon at Corbyn Head at 9.45pm will signify the start of the celebrations in the Bay. The beacon will be lit by the Civic Mayor accompanied by a Piper. The beacons at Daddyhole, Shoalstone and Berry Head will also be lit by Coastwatch, Brixham Town Council and Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.
Friday 3rd June: Music concert in Torquay
On Friday, Music on The Meadow will be taking over Torre Abbey Meadows, with a full day of family entertainment. Expect musical bingo, pop-up theatre and acts commemorating the decades of HM The Queen’s reign. To complete the day The Bootleg Beatles will headline the main music stage! The original and best loved Beatles tribute band have performed over 4000 times since the 80s and are known throughout the world.
Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th June: English Riviera Airshow
The annual English Riviera Airshow will take flight from 4th-5th June 2022, with breath-taking displays over the Bay and a selection of cutting edge and beautiful vintage aircraft taking to the skies. On Paignton Green, the air display team will be based and visitors will be able to meet the pilots, and peruse local traders offering everything from artwork to toys. There will be a real family friendly atmosphere with an array of family activities, a fairground, food stalls and bars to keep the adults entertained!
Sunday 5th June: Street parties, picnics and flotillas
On Sunday 5th June, Paignton Green will be taking part in the National Celebration “The Big Jubilee Lunch”. The Big Jubilee Lunch is an opportunity to get together and share fun, food and friendship. Enjoy a celebratory picnic with friends and family on Paignton Green where there will be a range of high quality food and drink outlets to grab a bite and watch the many flying displays.
Also on Sunday, the Jubilee Flotilla will take to the water at 1.30 pm with celebrated and private vessels representing all parts of the area’s coastal community. Visitors are invited to watch from the shores as the water teems with maritime action. It will set sail from Roundham Head and sail across both Paignton and Preston seafronts to Livermead Head Torquay to delight the crowds on land.
With so much going on on the English Riviera from 2nd -5th June, its going to be a busy weekend full of festivities. There will be a real sense of camaraderie as we all get together to celebrate this once in a lifetime event. Don’t miss it! Get booking your accommodation now to find the perfect place to stay.