Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022: What events are happening in and around Sunderland to celebrate?

This year marks 70 years since Queen Elizabeth took the throne, and a series of events will be happening across Sunderland this June to commemorate the historic weekend.

Two bank holidays kick off the events with Thursday, June 2, and Friday, June 3, being used as the extension of the weekend, and there is plenty to enjoy.

Throughout the weekend, Stack Seaburn will be entertaining crowds on the coastline with four days of music and events. Their ‘best of British’ weekend will see DJ sets, acoustic sets as well as tribute acts hit the stage at the site’s plaza to entertain visitors. Events for families and children are also happening throughout the four days.

In the city centre, the Bridges will be hosting a full weekend of activities. Visitors to the shopping centre can contribute to a giant card which will be sent to Queen Elizabeth, use a special photo booth as well as try their hand at old school lawn games.

Friday will see live music, face painting and cake in the building while visitors on Saturday, June 4, can enjoy competitions which are yet to be announced in addition to further face painting sessions and balloon modelling.

Mowbray Park will also be transformed into a mass picnic location on Sunday, June 5, as part of the Big Jubilee Lunch.

Family events will run from 11am until 4pm including an outdoor cinema showing royal-themed films, a one-day sports club and circus skills workshops in addition to garden games, a silent disco and more. Local buisnesses are getting involved in the event too, with cake specialists Sweek Petite offering pre orders for afternoon tea, sweet treats and chilled drink to be ready for the big day. Orders can be made online.

Anyone looking to start their celebrations early should look no further than Sunderland Mind. The mental health charity is hosting a Jubilee party on Wednesday June 1 with afternoon tea, bingo, local entertainment and so much more. Tickets cost £1 and can be bought by contacting the group.

Closer to Hendon, McCarthy Stone’s Herriot Gardens retirement home on Gray Road will be celebrating the long weekend on Wednesday, June 1, from midday with a buffet and singer expected to bring a traditional afternoon to the east of the city where all are welcome.

Thanks to this half term falling on the week of the Jubilee, Sunderland’s Museum and Winter Gardens are offering a handful of royal related activities.

From May 27 until July 1, the site is hosting a trail in which children can learn about the Queen’s 70 years as monarch through objects and stories across the winter gardens. Trials cost £2.50 and can be purchased from the museum.

Crafting sessions will also be in place on Wednesday June 1 where families can create their own glass coasters to celebrate the Jubilee. Tickets cost £5 per person and can be bought online or in the museum's shop.

A series of bars are also getting in on the action with Houghton Le Spring’s Stackyard will be hosting a special Jubilee quiz on Thursday while Independent on Holmeside are offering free Prosecco on their Thursday night celebrations of the four day weekend.