West Princes Street Gardens will host a special free event in the Capital to mark the Platinum Jubilee of HM the Queen.
On Sunday 5 June, Edinburgh’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration will coincide with celebrations taking place around the country as the nation marks the Queen's 70-year reign with a special extended bank holiday weekend.
The Jubilee Celebration is a free event, open to the people of Edinburgh and its visitors who are all invited to dust off their best picnic blanket for a fun-filled event with live music performed by the world-famous Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, fantastic local Love Music Community Choir and a special Edinburgh Festival Carnival parade just for the occasion.
The live entertainment will begin from 12.30pm followed by the Platinum Jubilee Pageant broadcast live from London being shown on big screen in the gardens.
Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon will be BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) presenter Mark McKenzie.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:
The Platinum Jubilee is a truly historic event and it was important to find a fitting tribute here in the Capital for those who wish to come together and celebrate the occasion.
In the tradition of Jubilee street parties our big picnic in the gardens invites citizens to come together to enjoy some fantastic local entertainment and music. Watching the celebrations on the big screen will be a great way for people to be involved and soak up the atmosphere of this extraordinary day.
Host Mark McKenzie, said:
It's a huge honour and I'm delighted to be involved in helping celebrate her majesty's Platinum Jubilee in Edinburgh. The programme has a real eclectic feel, capturing not only a flavour of Scotland but the Commonwealth and beyond. It's always a thrill hosting with Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop, it will be a day with something for everyone.
Capt TP Griffin RM, Director of Music, Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, said:
We’re very happy to be performing at Edinburgh’s Jubilee Celebrations next weekend. The Band will march from the Blaise to the Ross Band Stand where they will perform a dazzling display to open the event.
The Band will also conclude proceedings with a half an hour set from the bandstand which will include their world-renowned Corps of Drums, film music, Scottish melodies and virtuoso soloists.
Giles Agis, Carnival and Community Manager, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, said:
Edinburgh Festival Carnival is pleased to be presenting a small parade marking the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration in Princes Street Gardens on Sunday the 5th of June. Costumes, music, and dance will showcase the work of our visiting international artists from USA, South Africa, Brazil, Trinidad, Costa Rica, and Cuba. So come down and join in the carnival celebrations.
Stephen Deazley, Artistic Director, Love Music Community Choir, said:
The Choir is so delighted to be able to share the fun we enjoy singing together with an audience at Princes Street Gardens as part of the historic Jubilee celebrations. Opportunities for us to gather in larger groups and perform have been so restricted over the last few years, we really can’t wait and are looking forward to a joy filled day!
The big screen has been supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
People are encouraged to bring their own picnics, however the Scott’s café will be open and can provide take-away food and beverages.