Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Guildford

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On February 6^th the Queen became the first British monarch in history to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, national celebrations to mark 70 years of the Queen’s reign will take place over the long weekend of Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June.  Guildford’s beautiful historic High Street will be ablaze with colour as bunting will hung across the High Street.  

Look out for the shop window displays - the brilliant Business Improvement District, Experience Guildford have coordinated a Jubilee window trail from 11 April – 6 June.  A fun trail for all the family and a perfect excuse to have a stroll around Guildford this Spring!

Use the trail map to find the 8 window stickers dotted around the town, make a note of the letters that are written on each to help you make a Jubilee themed word.

Trail maps are available within each business taking part, also at the Tourist Information Office, Library, Guildford Institute, G Live, Yvonne Arnaud, Baptist church, Tunsgate foyer, Guildford Institute, Holy Trinity, The Hideaway cafe, Zero Carbon, Solar Sisters and various coffee shops around town.  Rangers will also have some to give out as well.

Once you’ve worked out the word, you can pop your completed trail map in the post box at Tunsgate Quarter for the chance to win one of 3 fantastic prizes –

Prizes

• 1st £100 Yvonne Arnaud voucher plus £100 voucher for independent restaurant of their choice.
• 2nd £100 voucher for an independent of their choice.
• 3rd £50 for independent of their choice.

Trail takes approx. 1 hour 15 mins at a steady pace, and is approx. 2 300 steps – so great opportunity to burn of those choccie eggs! 

EVENTS

Attractions across the Borough will be holding events to celebrate the Jubilee.

• During the month of May our knowledgeable Guildford Town Guides will be leading special Guildford Jubilee Walks.   More details to be found on the Town Guides - Royal Guildford Walk
• Thursday 2^nd June
  Guildford joins the rest of the United Kingdom at 9.45pm tonight in lighting beacons to honour Her Majesty.  There are Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting ceremonies taking place around the borough.  Find out more about the long tradition of lighting beacons to celebrate Royal Jubilees.   A full list of beacons being lit in villages in the borough can be found on page 47 of the PDF link above.
• Saturday 4^th June
  Celebrate Guildford in Bloom and the Jubilee at ‘Picnic in the Castle Grounds’.   Bring a picnic and enjoy music and entertainment with Guildford Fringe Festival.   This free event takes place in the Bandstand area of Guildford Castle Grounds between 12 noon and 4pm.
• Sunday 5^th June
  
  Why not get together with your neighbours and organise a Big Jubilee lunch over the long weekend?  The Big Jubilee lunch can be big or small, street party*, picnic, tea and cake or a garden barbeque. 
  *Please note that applications to close roads over the weekend are now closed.
  
  A service of Thanksgiving and Celebration will be taking place at Guildford Cathedral at 3pm.  Please be seated by 2.45pmThis is a strictly ticketed events.   Tickets will be available to book from Guildford Cathedral Box OfficePlease book your tickets by Sunday 15 May, 2022
  Day dress. Medals and chains of office may be worn.
  Platinum Jubilee refreshments afterwards.
  You will receive a ticket, please bring that either printed or electronically for entry.
  We encourage all attending the Cathedral to wear a face mask, unless exempt

UPLOAD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Please upload your Jubilee event to the Visit Surrey online diary.  Do share your events over social media using the hashtag #VisitGuildford and we will share as much positivity as possible! You'll find us at @GuildfordTIC on Facebook and @visitguildford on Instagram.

PLATINUM JUBILEE COMMEMORATIONS

Platinum Jubilee memorabilia will be available from the Guildford Tourist Information Centre.  So why not pop in, meet the knowledgeable team, and purchase your commemorative mug, magnet or union jack bunting while stocks last!

THE QUEEN’S VISITS TO GUILDFORD

Since 1952, the Queen has had several visits to Guildford borough:

27 June 1957  

HM the Queen and Prince Philip visit Guildford to inspect work at the Cathedral and receive the traditional plum cake at the Guildhall. 

17 May 1961 

HM the Queen and Prince Phillip attend the consecration of the Cathedral. 

30 October 1964 

HM the Queen opens the Women's Royal Army's Corps' (WRAC) at Queen Elizabeth Barracks 

26 May 1979 

HM the Queen visits the WRAC at Queen Elizabeth Park.  

11 December 1998 

HM the Queen and Prince Phillip visit Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd and launch the Surrey Space Centre 

13 April 2006 

HM the Queen and Prince Phillip tour Guildford after distributing Maundy Money at the Cathedral. They were presented with the traditional plum cake. 

18 November 2011 

HM the Queen and Prince Phillip Queen visit Guildford Cathedral to celebrate its Golden Jubilee. 

15th October 2015 

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip open the University's School of Veterinary Medicine. 

• Guildford is proud that the Queen has made several visits to Guildford Borough during her reign and is delighted to mark the occasion by entering Guildford into the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition to gain city status. The #BackOurBid campaign saw pledges of support from groups and individuals including politicians, the University of Surrey, Surrey County Council, the Business Improvement District, residents, local businesses, local dignitaries, and faith groups. You can view our full application on the Guildford Borough website.
• Local children from Holy Trinity Pewley Down School helped the Mayor of Guildford plant a tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy which has been marked on the QGC Map. You can get involved and plant your own tree to commemorate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.