On the eve of a weekend of unforgettable celebrations to mark The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has offered congratulations and gratitude to the Queen, on behalf of himself and the capital, on this remarkable milestone:
'On behalf of my fellow Londoners I am delighted to offer The Queen many congratulations on her Diamond Jubilee, as well as affectionate thanks for her sixty years of service to our city and our country. Over the course of Her Majesty's reign London has been transformed into a truly global city, a reflection of the Commonwealth The Queen has led for so long, which daily welcomes visitors and new Londoners from around the world.
'In this memorable year, the special events planned for the Jubilee weekend will demonstrate exactly the spirit which causes so many people to admire both London and The Queen. I am thrilled that the Jubilee celebrations will bring Londoners together in salute of Her Majesty and will mark the start of a spectacular summer for us all.' ENDS
Planning your day out
As well as street parties and other public and private celebrations throughout the city London will host a series of national events, meaning that central London in particular will be very busy throughout the whole of the extended weekend.
Events include the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant of 1,000 boats in an unprecedented flotilla on the Thames, the Piccadilly Big Jubilee Lunch, the Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace, and ceremonies to mark the lighting of more than 4,000 beacons around the world. There will be dozens of street parties and it will also be possible to watch The Queen's ceremonial procession from home or live on big screens in Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park or St James's Park.
Anyone thinking of heading into central London for any of the main celebrations should expect large crowds, road closures and alterations to public transport arrangements, so it is important to plan ahead:
- plan your journey in advance and allow plenty of time to get around - buses, tubes and stations will be busier than usual
- don't drive into central London unless it's absolutely essential - many roads and bridges will be closed
- check the times of last trains, and plan to leave London early if you're concerned about getting home
- Be aware that on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 June Green Park will be closed (Green Park tube station will be open however)
- drink plenty of water and bring sun cream (if it's hot) or waterproofs (if there's a chance of rain)
- bring any medication you're taking
- Use the Transport for London website to plan your journey and for up-to-date travel news and information on road closures www.tfl.gov.uk/diamondjubilee
- For further information to help you plan your weekend, visit www.direct.gov.uk, or www.thediamondjubilee.org; www.royalparks.org.uk
- Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org
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