Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in Oxford | United Kingdom

I know a few people who have had the same job for 35 or 40 years, there are even one or two who have been at it for even longer – a couple of years ago a coppersmith celebrated 50 years maintaining the stills at a Scotch Whisky distillery. But few can match Queen Elizabeth II, 60 years on the throne and an ambassador for the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

Oxford Castle / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Douglas Neiner

This summer in cities and towns all over the UK there will be fanfares, bunting and street parties to join in the momentous landmark as Britain’s second longest serving monarch – Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years, seven months and three days. If you’re planning to celebrate the Jubilee it might be worth joining in with the festivities in one of the Britain’s famous and historic towns.

What about Oxford?

Founded in the 9th century the town has some of the most important history in England. The university is nearly 850 years old and is now one of the most revered educational institutions in the world. The town became the haven of the king during the 1642 civil war; England’s first coffee house was opened here in 1651; and it was in Oxford that Roger Bannister in 1954 became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, which will surely be celebrated in a couple of years time.

As well at the famous landmarks such as St Magdalen Bridge and the historic university buildings, the city will be alive with Jubilee events. The council is encouraging local people to host street parties, but on Monday 4th June the Lord Mayor’s Jubilee Party will be at Gloucester Green from 12 noon until 6pm so decorate your bike, hat, child’s pram or buggy and win a prize!

St Magdalen Bridge / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Lisbona

The whole celebration centres on a “1950s then and now” theme, with live music and stalls to keep everyone occupied. At the end of that week on Saturday 9th June is the Diamond Jubilee Mela where you can enjoy live music, dance groups, fashion shows, food stalls, face painting and loads more things for the whole family at Oxford Spires Academy. Tickets cost £3 each but you can contact them for more information here.

A number hotels in Oxford such as The Randolph have special Diamond Jubilee offers with commemorative treats for their guests. Oxford is at the centre of a beautiful county of stunning villages and towns, and if you stay here you can use it as a base of operations for exploring the outlying areas and there are loads of Jubilee events to tickle your fancy.

Bicester Town Centre

On Saturday 2nd June: from 5pm to 10.30pm there is a Beer Festival and Fireworks in Garth Park. The following day on the 3rd there’s a street party which is hoped to be one of the biggest in the country. And on Monday 4th June is the Bicester Jubilee Carnival 10 to 7.30pm which is guaranteed to be a delight for the whole family.

Jubilee Jitterbug at Watlington

On Saturday 2nd June The Hall is the location for a 1950s style dance where a costume is practically mandatory! They do suggest you book in advance, but it will be totally worth it to get your groove on.

Finstock Jubilee BBQ

Also on the Food, music and games sounds perfect, doesn’t it? This fewat of fun must surely epitomise the community spirit of the celebrations when the folk of three villages (Ramsden, Finstock, Wilcote) come together in the true spirit of community.

Big Lunch at Oxford Castle

Who doesn’t love a picnic? Pack your basket and take yourself to the Castleyard and share your food with the residents of Oxford from 12 noon until 3pm on Sunday 3rd June. Break bread with friendly strangers and enjoy the family entertainment.

There are so many things you can do in Oxford over the Jubilee Celebrations, but whatever you choose have a wonderful time.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to The Randolph.

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Tags: civil war england, coffee house, coppersmith, dance groups, diamond jubilee, educational institutions, face painting, famous landmarks, fanfares, first coffee, food stalls, magdalen bridge, oxford spires, queen elizabeth, queen elizabeth ii, queen victoria, roger bannister, scotch whisky distillery, street parties, university buildings

Category: Cities, Cities