IT will be the biggest Jubilee event outside London.
The most famous acrobatic aces in the world the Red Arrows will soar, twist and turn across Southampton’s skies for the first time as a fleet of regal cruise ships gather on the historic waterfront.
Meanwhile Mayflower Park will be packed with 20,000 people in a Daily Echo-backed event as volunteers come together from across the city to put on a celebration to remember with a jam-packed lineup of free entertainment.
All three of Cunard’s Queen ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – will sail up Southampton Water to arrive in their home port for the first time together in the early hours.
Hundreds are set to wake up early and head to viewing points across the coast to watch the grand ships sailing in single file with firetugs and a flotilla of small boats expected to welcome them.
As Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria tie up at their berths, Queen Mary 2 will follow on, passing each ship in turn with the crew lining the foredeck of each of the vessels and the ships’ whistles sounding in salute.
That poignant moment will mark a day of special tributes, celebrations and displays for the ships’ passengers and visitors from across the globe to mark the Queen’s 60th year of reign.
From 6.20pm a seven-aircraft Red Arrows squadron will put on a breathtaking display over the length of the docks with action focused over the Marchwood pier area. Viewing points include Mayflower Park, Hythe Marina and Town Quay.
After the display the celebrations will come to a head in an evening spectacular where all three ships will be brought close together around City Terminal as fireworks and special effects light the sky before the three Queens leave.
LONDON: The Diamond Jubilee Procession The Queen attends thanksgiving service at St Paul’s before a reception at Mansion House and a lunch at Westminster Hall. Thousands, including local sailors from Fareham-based HMS Collingwood, will line the route as the Queen and other royals including Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry take part in a carriage procession from Palace of Westminster to Buckingham Palace. Highlights include military bands, a balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace, an RAF Flypast and a Feu de Joie (fire of joy), a celebratory cascade of rifle fire given as a salute by the Queen's guard.
SOUTHAMPTON: Mayflower Park. Jubilee celebrations, from 12pm until 11pm, free entry. This Daily Echo-backed event hosted by community radio station Unity 101 and Southampton City Council features an extravaganza of live music, dancers, international food and Cole’s funfair and will provide a vantage point to watch the waterfront spectacle unfold. For the full line-up of events, see our guide.
SOUTHAMPTON DOCKS: Cunard’s fleet of three ‘Queen’ ships in port together for the first time. Arrive in docks at 6am leave at 11pm.
SOUTHAMPTON DOCKS: Red Arrows’ first ever display over the length of the docks focusing around Marchwood pier area. Viewing points Mayflower Park, Hythe Marina and Town Quay. From 6.20pm until 6.45pm.
SOUTHAMPTON DOCKS: Fireworks and special effects display, from 10.20pm
SOUTHAMPTON: St Alban’s Church, Burgess Road, Swaythling, from 12.30pm. A big Jubilee lunch after people watch the national Queen’s service.
FAREHAM: Highlands Road shopping area. A free community Jubilee event from 11am including local dance groups, bands and a number of stalls run by local organisations.
SOUTHAMPTON: St Alban’s Church, Honeysuckle Road, from 10.30am. Dress up if you like to watch the Diamond Jubilee service on the big screen followed by lunch. Tickets 023 8055 6171
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