On 6th February, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking a historic 70 year-reign. As communities come together to mark this iconic occasion, creators will hold Platinum Jubilee events throughout the year in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and around the world – culminating in the UK on the June bank holiday weekend. From parades in busy city streets to gatherings on rural village greens, diverse communities are coming together to mark this special event.

What kinds of Jubilee events are there?

Looking for some original street party ideas for Jubilee events? There are lots of fun ways to celebrate this historic event, depending on your needs. We’ve rounded up some popular and creative event ideas to help inspire you when planning your own special day.

1. Jubilee street party

Let’s start with the go-to: a street party. The most common way communities choose to celebrate royal milestones, street parties are great because they can be adapted to suit the needs of your attendees. Consider hiring a bouncy castle, hosting a costume party, organising live music, or planning a banquet-style feast – anything goes.

2. Afternoon tea party

What’s more quintessentially British than an elegant tea party? It’s relatively simple to organise too – put up trestle tables and provide scones, cakes, and sandwiches (or hire a catering company, if you have the budget). Most importantly, get ready to make pots and pots of tea.

3. Jubilee screening

For fans of cinema, a great idea would be to organise a big-screen livestream of the official Jubilee celebrations in London. This could work in an indoor or outdoor venue, weather permitting. To keep up the festivities, you may want to keep the party going with screenings of films like The Queen and/or A Royal Night Out afterwards.

4. Regal ball

If you have a big budget and you want to go all out, a glamorous regal ball could be the event for you. Hire a venue and create a sparkling setting with golden tablecloths, chandeliers, and flowers. You could also set the tone by enlisting a string quartet to play while people dance. Don’t forget to tell attendees to wear their fanciest attire.

5. 1950s-style funfair

Commemorate the Queen’s coronation by allowing your guests to experience how fair-goers had fun back in the fifties. Who doesn’t love Ferris wheels, coconut shies, carousels, and candy floss? For that extra air of authenticity, encourage your guests to dress up 1950s-style.

6. Tea dance

Tea dances are not only a great way to celebrate the Jubilee, but they also provide another perfect excuse to drink tea and dress up – all while having a boogie. For less experienced dancers, consider inviting along a swing dance instructor or two to show them the basics.

7. Royal-themed maze

An original, kid-friendly idea is to construct a hay bale maze in your community and give it a royal theme. Set clues inspired by British kings and queens to help guests get to the centre – where they might just find royal treasure.

8. Treasure hunt

Speaking of treasure, why not hide clues in a local park or playground instead of in a maze? Create your own trail for guests to follow by answering questions relating to the Jubilee. Each correct answer earns them directions to another clue, with a big prize at the end.

9. Traditional village fete

The traditional village fete is a fixture when it comes to British celebrations. Bring your community together by choosing a central location and inviting residents to run activities like tombola, guess the weight of the cake, raffles, hook-a-duck, bric-a-brac, and face painting. Hang brightly coloured bunting, invite local independent vendors to sell food and drink, and consider putting on musical entertainment (Morris dancing is optional).

10. Fancy-dress picnic

If you have a small budget, you can still plan a fun Jubilee party that gets everyone involved. Lay rugs and blankets in a park or field and encourage guests to bring enough food to share. To make it extra-special, encourage everyone to come in fancy dress and plan some easy games (think egg-and-spoon races) to keep the kids entertained.

Remember to plan ahead

Bear in mind that you will probably need to seek permission to throw a big, outdoor community event – especially celebrations like street parties that may cause obstructions and block roads. If you think your event could cause a disruption, speak to your local authority before you start planning.

Jubilee events to inspire you

Some Eventbrite event creators are already offering tickets to their Jubilee parties. If you need inspiration, check out some of these exciting upcoming events:

Savoy Entertainment

Eastbourne-based Savoy Entertainment will host its Great British Vintage Tea Dance event at Eastbourne Town Hall. As well as being a dance school that teaches Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, and Jive, the organiser also puts on themed dance events like this one.

This event is unique in that it’s themed by the eras of the Queen’s reign. The tea dance is three hours long, with each hour representing a different era, reflected in the costumes and music. For the Platinum Jubilee celebration, the dances will reflect the first three decades of Queen Elizabeth’s reign – the 1950s, 60s and 70s. ‘It’s been very well received’, say owners Jo and Louise. ‘We actively encourage those customers that wish to change their outfits for each era as well – and they do!’

The event also offers guests a welcoming atmosphere, free tea, cake, and dance demonstrations. ‘What could be more vintage and British than celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a tea dance?’ ask Jo and Louise.

Kersey Mill

Kersey Mill near Ipswich has a double celebration planned for Bank Holiday Friday. Its Platinum Jubilee event will also celebrate the restoration of the mill, a historic community epicentre, now milling again for the first time in 100 years. As well as a free traditional children’s funfair, the event will also feature pony rides, a nature trail, train rides, four milling demonstrations, fencing, dancing, and a vintage vehicle display.

Newark Steampunk Society

On Saturday 4th June, LetsXcape Together will be hosting a Platinum Jubilee Newark Steampunk Society Ball at the Buttermarket in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire. The evening will feature music, food, hand-pulled ales, and a cocktail bar. The event will also treat guests to a raffle, a special Jubilee Cake, and Jubilicious Punch – to be served for the toast to the Queen. Best of all, the Victorian-inspired costumes should add a unique twist to the occasion.

INverurie Family Street Party

The Scottish town of Inverurie will play host to a truly communal event – the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 INverurie Family Street Party. The organiser, the charity INverurie Events, has billed it as a ‘once in a lifetime community event in Inverurie’. Guests will have the option of choosing between two sittings on the day – lunchtime or teatime. They can also enjoy the street food and refreshments on offer or bring their own picnics. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged for this event, whether in a royal theme or representing one of the seven decades of the Queen’s reign. The event will also feature live music, entertainment, and different stalls.

Could your community Jubilee party do with some support? Sign up to Eventbrite and promote your event with Eventbrite Boost.