The Queen's Platinum Jubilee is set to be celebrated with a record-breaking picnic at Windsor Castle on Sunday 5th June.
The Big Windsor Lunch, part of National Thank You Day, will welcome around 1,600 people and feature a 500-metre long table running from Cambridge Gate towards the Copper Horse — breaking a 2019 record set in Memphis, Tennessee. Bringing communities together from all walks of life, it's part of plans for the new four-day bank holiday weekend.
Organised by Lisa Hunter, the lunchtime picnic is about "saying thank you" to the Queen. "We're trying to encourage people to come together on the 5th June to say thank you to the Queen but also to neighbours, friends and people who have made a difference over the last two years," Lisa told The Evening Standard.
"About 500m of picnic tables is what we're aiming for, which works out to 1,600-and-a-few people. That's the aim - if we can make it a bit longer then that’s fantastic, but that’s the minimum. The idea is for everyone in the community from all walks of life to come together in a celebration."
The Big Lunch first launched in 2009, encouraging people to get to know each other a bit better. "Gather friends and family and bring your union jack flags and picnic together around our giant screens so you can enjoy watching the national Platinum Pageant, which promises to be a spectacular parade, combining street arts, theatre, music, circus, carnival and costume," explain the organisers.
Read: Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022: Dates and celebration plans confirmed
The picnic will follow a more formal lunch, which will also be held on the 5th June. Other celebrations taking place include a concert at Buckingham Palace, a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, plus additional displays put on at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to mark the Queen's accession to the throne.
Tickets for the picnic will be available to purchase soon. For more information, keep an eye on their website. Sandwiches at the ready...
Platinum Jubilee souvenirs and gifts to celebrate the Queen
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee God Save The Queen Mug
This historic jubilee makes a great excuse to add another Emma Bridgewater mug to your collection! This one features our national anthem in EB's signature script on a proud red background.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Here's a more subtle design from Emma Bridgewater.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee 70 Glorious Years Mug
Lastly, the potter has this vibrant green option. Which will you choose?
Harrods Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Harrods has released its own commemorative mug, too. This fine bone china option features the dates of the Queen's reign in shining gold and finished with the royal crests.
Sandie Burton Designs Queen's Platinum Jubilee Cushion Cover
Particularly dedicated royalists will be pleased with this lovely handmade cushion cover; it's thoroughly celebratory without being garish. It'd fit right in with a country cottage scheme while adding a cheerful flash of colour.
Platinum Jubilee Tea Towel
This design is also available as a tea towel, if you prefer – in a good range of colours.
Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Plate
This makes a fun memento – use it to display your scones or sandwiches for your Jubilee garden party over the bank holiday weekend, then display it on the wall or your cabinet after the festivities are done.
Platinum Jubilee Bunting
Hang this suitably British bunting around your garden fence, conservatory or the front of your property to show your appreciation for our longest-reigning monarch. It comes in either two or five metre lengths, or you can ask for your specific requirements.
Historic Royal Palaces 2022 Platinum Jubilee Imperial State Crown Decoration
Made from gold-plated pewter and studded with glittering crystals, this ornate decoration is exclusive to the Historic Royal Palaces shop. Keep it proudly on display in a cabinet, or you could even use the hanging loop to turn it into a Christmas tree ornament, if you like.
Rice Paper Cake Toppers
No garden party is complete without cake. These rice paper toppers will ensure your offerings are less Victoria sponge and more Elizabeth II – much more appropriate, in this instance!
Cheviot Ceramics Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
A subtle design finished with traditional royal purple crowns; these are lovingly hand-painted to order, so you know you're getting something thoughtful to commemorate this special occasion.
Royal Collection Shop Longest Reigning Monarch Commemorative Oval Charger
Okay, this charger plate is expensive, but it is handmade from fine bone china and finished with burnished 22-carat gold detailing, so it is a really exquisite piece. Plus, we're sure you agree that a Platinum jubilee party deserves something extra special to celebrate properly. Put this plate pride of place on your table to show off your afternoon tea spread for your do.
Emma Bridgewater Crown Jewels Tea Towel
With its ornate crown, orb and sceptre design, this lovely Emma Bridgewater design will pay homage to our queen while brightening up your kitchen (and helping with the washing up!).
Traditional tones in white, blue and red here for this tea towel – and there's some matching bunting available, too.
More tea towels here – choose your favourite design, or collect all three!
Harrods HM Queen Elizabeth II Teapot
To match the charger plate above, this charming teapot will finish off your royal scheme perfectly. We just love the little crown on the lid.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
