Queen's jubilee goes pop with a party

LONDON: Some 22,000 people and millions more at home were expected at a musical celebration on Saturday for Queen Elizabeth 2nd's historic Platinum Jubilee.

The "Platinum Party at the Palace" is the highlight of the third day of public events to mark the 96-year-old monarch's record-breaking 70 years on the throne.

Motown legend Diana Ross is a star attraction at the event, to be held on a purpose-built 360-degree stage outside the head of state's central London residence, Buckingham Palace.

The concert also features artists, including Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli and James Bond composer Hans Zimmer, in a marked shift in tone from the jubilee's first two days.

Celebrations began on Thursday with the pomp and pageantry of the Trooping the Color military parade to mark the sovereign's official birthday.

Friday's focus was a traditional Church of England service of thanksgiving led by senior royals — and returning Prince Harry and his wife, former United States actress Meghan Markle — in the hallowed surroundings of St Paul's Cathedral.

Saturday's concert, which will be broadcast live by the British Broadcasting Corp. on radio, television and online from 8 p.m. (3 a.m. in Manila on Sunday), is no less grand in scale.

But as an open-air event, all eyes will be on the skies and the fickle British weather to see if the forecast downpours hold off.

The queen, already the longest-reigning monarch in British history, is not expected to attend the 2.5-hour concert, but will watch it on TV at Windsor Castle.

She made two public appearances to huge crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony on Thursday and was then at Windsor for a beacon-lighting ceremony.

The effort, after months of battling difficulties walking and standing, left her in "some discomfort," Buckingham Palace said.

It led to her withdrawing from Friday's church service and also an expected appearance at Epsom racecourse for the flat-racing showcase The Derby.

Her no-show at The Derby on Saturday is only the fourth time the keen horse-racing fan, rider and breeder has missed the race since 1952.

She did not attend in 2020, as spectators were banned due to Covid-19.

Her eldest son and heir Prince Charles, 73, and his elder son, Prince William, 39, will be in attendance at the concert instead.

Public holidaysThursday and Friday were made public holidays to mark the unprecedented landmark, which has focused attention on the monarchy's future without her.

Longer pub opening hours, street parties and other events celebrating the queen's central place in the life of most Britons alive have temporarily lifted the gloom of a soaring cost of living crisis.

Sunday will see more than 10 million people share food at "Big Jubilee Lunch" picnics and a musical and creative public pageant involving 10,000 people.

Ed Sheeran will round off the celebrations on Sunday, singing his 2017 hit "Perfect" at the end of the pageant.

The "Shape of You" singer-songwriter, 31, has said the "Party at the Palace" to mark the queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002 inspired his musical career.

As for Ross, her scheduled performance would be her first in the United Kingdom in 15 years and comes before she heads to the Glastonbury Festival later this month.

The 78-year-old diva said she was "absolutely delighted to receive an invitation to perform on such a momentous occasion."

Charles once said her 1980 disco hit "Upside Down" was one of his favorite tracks.

Other performers on Saturday include Alicia Keys, Craig David and Rod Stewart, Queen + Adam Lambert, George Ezra and Eurovision 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder. Elton John has recorded a tribute.

Source: TheManila Times