How the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is being celebrated in Manchester city centre

Manchester city centre is marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style.

A packed programme of events for the four-day bank holiday weekend marking Queen Elizabeth II’s seven decades on the throne has been unveiled by Manchester City Council.

Highlights include entertainment in Piccadilly Gardens, a special Jubilee trail and the lighting of a beacon to mark the milestone.

Here’s our guide to what’s on for the Jubilee weekend in the middle of Manchester.

What Platinum Jubilee events are taking place in Manchester city centre?

Manchester City Council has unveiled a packed schedule for the city centre for the Platinum Jubilee, which runs from 2 to 5 June.

Piccadilly Gardens is hosting a party throughout the Jubilee weekend from 11am till 7pm, with a market, live music and dance performances and lots of food and drink.

As part of the official programme for the Jubilee announced by Buckingham Palace a beacon is being lit in St Peter’s Square at 9.45pm on the Thursday (2 June), accompanied by a piper and the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Band.

In addition one of the highlights of the programme is The Queen’s Jubilee Trail, made up of 10 stunning displays commissioned by Manchester Business Improvement District and located across the city centre.

Inspired by the Queen’s 70 years of service, the Crown Jewels, the Changing of the Guard, the Queen’s love of horses and more are all represented.

There’s also entertainment, talks and live music on the main stage in Exchange Square, a Manchester Flower Show Cocktail Trail, pop-up food and drink stalls and bars on New Cathedral Street and Exchange Square and a flower and craft market on Market Street.

Those looking to let their hair down, meanwhile, should head for the Fit for a Queen Weekend party in Sackville Gardens, on Whitworth Street, where people are paying homage to Her Majesty by getting everyone up and rocking along to iconic songs from the past 70 years.

The Manchester Flower Show is also back with city centre businesses and restaurants putting together beautiful floral displays.

The party comes to an end on the Sunday (5 June) with a Sunday Funday in Central Library. This takes place between 12pm and 4pm for families to conclude the Jubilee weekend with activities including vintage films, crafts and face painting.

In addition neighbourhoods, community groups and other organisations across Manchester are devising their own programmes for celebrating the Platinum Jubilee, including holding street parties.

How do I join in with these events?

All the activities organised by Manchester City Council are free and there is no need to book in advance, with residents wanting to get into the spirit of celebration able to simply turn up.

For more information on how to get involved in the Jubilee weekend visit Manchester City Council’s website here.

What has been said about the Jubilee celebrations?

Coun Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Queen’s Jubilee is a great opportunity for communities to come together, enjoy the long weekend and take part in the fun! There are lots of exciting events across the city.

“From foodie treats, to dance parties and film screenings, Manchester City Council is supporting events across the city which has packed the weekend full of activities for ages.

“We’ve got some brilliant entertainment planned and hope to see Mancunians enjoying the Jubilee weekend in style.’’

Jane Sharrocks, Manchester Business Improvement District chair and general manager of Selfridges Exchange Square, said: “The Manchester Flower Show is yet another example of our retail and hospitality sectors coming together to help build back the city post-pandemic.

“It demonstrates creativity, collaboration and resilience and we’re incredibly grateful to all the artists, community groups, retailers and businesses who are playing their part to bring this beautiful event to our city to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”