Countdown is on as Norwich puts final touches to Jubilee Big Lunch
St Peter's Street will be turned into a giant picnic and party
With the bumper Jubilee bank holiday just a few days away, Norwich City Council is putting the final touches to the City's 'Big Jubilee Lunch' which is taking place on Sunday.
It's happening on St Peter's Street, which will be closed for the day and playing host to performers and a picnic table, nearly 400 feet-long.
"It's a great opportunity to have a celebration, for everyone across the city to enjoy themselves"
Alan Waters is lead of the Council. He's expecting and hopes for a big turnout in five days time: "I think people are very excited, because it's been received extremely positively because Norwich one of those places that in normal circumstances puts on a lot of free events because we want to feel that the whole city is together and that everyone can share the experience.
"I think people are delighted that we can get back to normal and be together as a city.
"I just think it's a great opportunity to have a celebration, for everyone across the city to enjoy themselves.
"We've been through some tough times so the summer is a great opportunity to make sure that people can use the city and enjoy all the events that are going to be on over the Jubilee weekend."
"The bunting is ready and the table cloths are all set"
Clare Hubery is the culture and events officer at the local authority.
She told us that she's glad they're now on the home straight: "We've been working on it for a fair few months now, and as you can imagine any large-scale public event involves lots of planning. We've got to make sure that it's safe for everyone, but also that there's lots of things for people to do and they can enjoy it.
"We're now in the final stages, the bunting is ready and the table cloths are all set- so we're looking forward to getting out there.
Ms Hubery also told us that those coming have got a range of options: "If people want to bring their own food and their own picnic then that's great and they're more than welcome to do so. Otherwise just bring your positivity and enthusiasm".
Events are taking place all over the country to mark the Platinum Jubilee...
Thursday 2nd June: Trooping the Colour
To mark the Queen's official birthday, over 1400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians are coming together in what the official Royal Family website describes as "a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare". The event will consist of a musical parade where soldiers will salute the Queen. The traditional march then closes with a fly-past by the Royal Air Force, which the Royal Family typically watch from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Thursday 2nd June: Platinum Jubilee Beacons
At Buckingham Palace, the Principal Beacon (which traditionally has been lit to mark the Queen's jubilee), will be 'lit' on Thursday. This jubilee beacon however is set to be a little different to previous jubilee celebrations, as a large living tree sculpture by British designer Thomas Heatherwick is being used. The lighting installation within this structure will act as the lighting of the principal beacon to reflect the Royal Family's commitment to environmental causes. A Palace spokeswoman has said on the sculpture: "It's 21 metres high – that's the height of three giraffes." Throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, other beacons are being lit in celebration.
Friday 3rd June: Service of Thanksgiving
A Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen's reign will be held at St Paul's Cathedral. This is in keeping with tradition as ever since 1897, the cathedral has hosted Jubilee services. St Paul's are also hosting an exhibition exploring the history of Jubilee celebrations at the cathedral across three centuries. This has been open to the public since May 25th.
Saturday 4th June: Platinum Party at the Palace
On Saturday, big names Diana Ross and George Ezra are set to perform at a concert at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the most significant moments from the Queen's reign. Live coverage will be broadcast on BBC One and will be hosted by Kirsty Young and Roman Kemp and co-presented by Huw Edwards, Clare Balding, AJ Odudu and Anita Rani.
Sunday 5th June: Big Jubilee Lunch
Street parties are being planned across the UK and neighbours are expected to join together for food and fun to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. This will mark the end of the bank holiday. It is also the day that pubs stop opening until 1am, giving everyone a reason to relax and have an early night.
Sunday 5th June: Platinum Jubilee Pageant
Performers will come together in London to tell the story of the Queen's reign through a pageant. This will include a "River of Hope" section made up of 200 silk flags that will make its way through The Mall, appearing like a moving river. In 2012, there was a similar parade of 670 boats on the Tideway of the River Thames in London as part of the celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
July: The Royal Collection Trust
Three displays marking the Queen's accession to the throne, the Coronation and Jubilees will be put on at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
12th-15th May: Platinum Jubilee Celebration Performance
In celebration of the Queen's 70 years on the throne, more than 500 horses and 1,000 performers took part in a 90-minute show taking the Windsor Castle audience through history right from Elizabeth I to the present day.