As the nation prepares to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, residents and visitors to Aberdeen will have the opportunity to take part in local celebrations when two events are held next week.
Firstly, on the evening of Thursday 2 June, an official Beacon will be lit outside Marischal College by Aberdeen Lord Provost David Cameron in his role as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant.
From 9.30pm, the short ceremony will feature a local lone piper playing “Diu Regnare” and a trumpeter will perform “Majesty”. As the beacon is lit along with 2,022 others across the UK and throughout the Commonwealth, St Margaret’s School for Girls Choir will perform “A Song for the Commonwealth – A Life Lived with Grace” as a unique musical tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.
The focal point of the extended national jubilee weekend will be the Queen’s Jubilee Family Picnic on Sunday 5th June at Duthie Park from 11.30am-2.30pm.
The fun-filled event will feature live music from the Bon Accord Silver band performed in the bandstand along with performances from Newtonhill Pipe Band. Adventure Aberdeen will have canoes out on the park pond and the Play Forum, Wheelie Fun and Aberdeen Sports Village will be offering a range of sporting activities for all the family.
The Park Rangers will have both long and short course orienteering maps available for families to try out and there will be face painting by Kidsize and Prince and Princess walkabouts from Love Rara.
Aberdeen Lord Provost David Cameron said: “Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee will be a momentous occasion and I am delighted that the residents of Aberdeen and visitors to the city will have the opportunity to join in the celebrations by attending the local events we have planned.
“This is history in the making – and everyone has a chance to be a part of it whilst enjoying the festivities.”
The public are being asked to bring their own picnics; however, the Duthie Park Café will be open and can provide take-away afternoon teas as well as other food and beverages.
Limited parking is available in the area surrounding Duthie Park, and with large crowds expected, the public are being asked to consider using public transport or walking to the event where possible.
Other events to mark the jubilee are also planned, including a private Service of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty The Queen on Sunday 12 June at St Nicholas Kirk, by invitation only and as a Champion City, Aberdeen will also plant a commemorative tree in Hazlehead Park as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy Project later this year.