Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with these events in Newcastle
As we’re sure you’re aware by now, the Queen’s Jubilee will be an event like no other, and will mark an occasion that we may never see again. As befitting such a celebration, there are a plethora of events taking place in Newcastle over the four-day weekend, here are a few suggestions on the best ways to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70th year on the throne.
Jubilee Menu @ Cafe 21, Fenwick
Cafe 21 extend their wonderful fixed price menu for a week of celebrations, and add a distinct Royal flair to their always delectable selection. Starters include Jubilee soup of spring vegetables or crunchy Coronation chicken salad, among the main courses are slow-cooked shoulder of spring lamb and basil hot-smoked trout. For pud it’s got to be Pimms jelly, English strawberries and spearmint or a good old fashioned Sherry trifle.
Until Monday 6th June, 2 courses £21.50 or 3 courses £25.50
Afternoon Tea @ Arthur’s, Fenwick
The perfect place for a sophisticated Afternoon Tea, the plush Arthur’s on Fenwick’s first floor are offering a banquet of Royal proportions including a sparkling cocktail, savoury delights including individual Quiche Lorraine and smoked salmon blini, the very finest patisserie including Fenwick blend tea macarons and tropical fruit and coconut tart. You’ll also be serenaded by a live playhouse trio of piano, drums, and bass.
Thursday 2nd June, 1pm & 4pm, £35
Fenwick offer a great selection of Jubilee-themed memorabilia to help you mark the special occasion. Choice pieces include a tin of fine chocolatiers Charbonnel et Walker’s heritage milk and dark chocolates (£70); Fenwick’s own Great British Spirits Hamper including Smeaton's Bristol gin, Hepple's pine-needle infused Douglas fir vodka, Guyanese clementine spiced rum from Diablesse and Kings ginger liqueur, which should see you through the weekend (£300). If a nice British cuppa is more your taste, treat yourself to a classic Whittard English Rose caddy of loose tea (£15).
Viva Jubilee @ Revolucion de Cuba
Revolucion de Cuba offer up an extra special fiesta including bottomless brunch with pineapple daiquiris and Cuba Libres included in the deal. Plus there are DJs, Samba girls, live music and good times guaranteed!
Thursday 2nd June, 8pm, £27.75
Hedkandi Jubilee Special @ Colonel Porters Emporium
A celebration as big as this deserves a right Royal party, so look no further than legendary Hedkandi for a day and night of Kandi anthems from DJs Mark Doyle and Hedkandi regulars. Expect club classics, disco and funky house. We’re sure if Liz was in town, it’s where she’d be.
Thursday 2nd June, 4pm. From £22.25
The Queen’s Knickers @ Seven Stories
Probably not quite the story Her Majesty is expecting to be told, but a right Royal knees up regardless! This interactive storytime session is for children aged 7+, complete with hilarious tales about the Queen’s undergarments and knicker-making activities to boot!
Thursday 2nd - Saturday 4th June, 11am. £6.50 per child, including one adult
Jubilee Bunting Making @ Seven Stories
Here’s something we can all agree on: you can never have too much bunting. So Seven Stories’ Royal bunting making workshop will keep you right! Suitable for all the family to enjoy, the craft sessions cost £5.50 per child and adults go free.
Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th June, 10.30am, 12.30pm & 3pm
Beacon Lighting ceremony @ St. Thomas’ Church
Mark this historic occasion by enjoying a spectacular evening of entertainment at the Church of St Thomas the Martyr on St Mary’s Place. The family-friendly event will see the grounds opened for picnicking ahead of a night of entertainment at Newcastle Civic Centre’s Ceremonial Way, hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Alfie Joey. There’ll also be performances from Shoeshop Quartet, musician Chris Cowan, the Northern Monkey Brass Band, street theatre show Spark plus a piper and a bugler! At 10pm, a special beacon lighting ceremony will take place at the Civic Centre, marking the Royal event and also serving to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall.
Thursday 2nd June, 6pm
Arthur’s Platinum Party @ Arthur’s, Fenwick
Feast like royalty at Arthur’s fabulous Platinum Party, as they take inspiration from historic Fenwick menus from events like Fenwick Centenary Dinner in 1982, the Royal Show Luncheon in 1954 and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Dinner in 1977. Enjoy a three-course meal featuring typically British cuisine with a twist, plus a Jubilee-themed welcome cocktail and wine pairing throughout. Cocktails will be inspired by Her Majesty’s favourite tipple (gin, if you didn’t know!) and there’s funky entertainment from Backstage Brass.
Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th June, 6.45pm. Tickets £50
Jubilee Weekend Street Party @ Akenside Traders
What says Jubilee more than bottomless brunch afternoon tea? Akenside Traders offer a menu including their famous Full English, cracking burgers and crispy pizzas until 3pm, with every pre-booked brunch receiving a free glass of Chambord Royle, and DJ Brent spinning the tunes from 7.30pm.
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th June
The party starters at Retro will be celebrating both The Queen (Her Majesty) and Queen (the band) across the weekend, with Queen classics on the sound system, complete with free Lizzie and Freddie masks so you can pledge your allegiance to your favourite icon!
Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th June
Jubilee Crown Making @ Life Science Centre
A crafty activity fit for a Queen, Life Science Centre’s Maker Studios are offering crown making activities for families, with all materials provided. Even better, the first 100 people to visit the Centre on Friday 3rd wearing red, white and blue will get a free Jubilee cup cake! Enter your crowning glory into their fantastic competition to be in with the chance of winning a trip to Life Science Centre PLUS Alnwick Castle, where they can be a Royal for the day! (Post a photo of your little one wearing their crown by 6pm on Monday 6th June via their social media pages or email them at [email protected])
Friday 3rd June, included as part of your ticket
Queen’s Jubilee featuring The National Anthems @ Central Park
Celebrate the very best of British pop thanks to a set from local Britpop covers band The National Anthems at Central Park’s all day event. There will be a DJ playing nothing but British classics, special deals on Pimms and G&T and street food courtesy of Brack Burger, Acropolis and Gingerinos. Tickets also include a complimentary drink and an opportunity to party in one of the city’s best entertainment hotspots.
Friday 3rd June, 12pm, £5
Image: Tariq Albassam (NE1) and Regional Volunteer Officer (MVS) Angela Carrington and Head of Unit Jen Mitchelson at NE1’s Newcastle City Marina
Jubilee Parade of Sail @ NE1 Newcastle City Marina
What better way to celebrate the Jubilee than with a unique view of the city. NE1 Newcastle City Marina have teamed up with the Maritime Volunteer Service to provide a day of free river rides, music and a very special parade. MVS will be offering short river tours of the Quayside from 11am - 4pm on their rigid inflatable boat, Northumberland Freemason, there will be a chance to chat with volunteers to find out more about their work, and live music too. The tours will provide a perfect vantage point to enjoy the vessels berthed at the marina, decked in their Jubilee finery. At 5pm, the Jubilee Parade of Sail will see vessels of all kinds take to the waters in a fantastic display. What’s more, MVS will celebrate the National Maritime Volunteer Service Day annually at the Marina on the first Saturday in June, making it a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the facilities and location of the Marina every year!
Saturday 4th June, from 11am
Service of Thanksgiving @ Newcastle Cathedral
Newcastle Cathedral’s Service of Thanksgiving provides an opportunity for reflection and to express thankfulness for the Queen’s faith, service and incredible 70 year reign both as monarch and as the Governor of the Church of England. The service will include readings, prayers and hymns, plus choral music inspired by the Queen’s coronation in 1953.
Sunday 5th June, 4pm
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee than to spend some quality time in Newcastle – whether it’s a fun-filled party, a crafty activity or simply enjoying time with family and friends in one of the city’s many cafes, bars or restaurants, we’re certain it’ll be a weekend to remember!
