There was something for everyone with a packed patriotic programme of events organised by Barking and Dagenham Council to mark Her majesty’s 70-year reign. 

The festivities kicked off on Thursday 2 June with a classic East End Cockney knees-up, featuring live performances and the lighting of the Jubilee Beacon, one of the thousands around the world lit to mark seven decades since the Queen’s coronation. The evening was brought to a close with a spectacular fireworks finale. 

The next day saw the return of Barking Folk Festival, showcasing some of the best in English and world folk music and dance as well as offering creative workshops, storytelling, yoga, spoken word, and street theatre.

I want to say thank you to the thousands of people that came out and shared their Platinum Jubilee experience with us – you were fantastic! There was lots of fun, lots of laughter and lots to see and do.

On Saturday 4 June, there was more family fun to be had at the Platinum Jubilee Day festival, held in partnership with London East Jazz Network, to celebrate Great British jazz while offering arts and crafts.

During the weekend, visitors had the chance to meet kings and queens from the past including warrior Queen Boudica, Henry VIII and Queen Victoria at Valence House at their Right Royal Romp Through Time live exhibit. 

The weekend festivities were wrapped up on Sunday 5 June with the ever-popular Youth Parade, which provided performances from some of the borough’s most inspirational young people.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Darren Rodwell, said: “I want to say thank you to the thousands of people that came out and shared their Platinum Jubilee experience with us – you were fantastic! There was lots of fun, lots of laughter and lots to see and do. 

“We’re proud of our track record at delivering free, family entertainment in Barking and Dagenham and we’re delighted that friends and families came together as one borough, one community to celebrate Her Majesty’s big weekend. I’m sure we all created memories that will last a lifetime.”

The new Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Councillor Faruk Choudhury, also held a special Jubilee brunch event on Saturday 4 June, which helped raised £1,400 for his chosen charities DABD and MacMillan Cancer Support. 

The events were just part of Barking and Dagenham Council’s huge programme of free Summer of Festivals. Find out when and where the next event is by visiting lbbd.gov.uk/summer-of-festivals