The monarchy can be a divisive subject, but one thing unites us all: appreciation of an extra day off and a chance to hang out with our friends, families and communities. So we’ve pulled together a guide to Oxfordshire’s Jubilee events, ranging from spectacular celebrations to collective creations. In addition to these events, you can check the Platinum Jubilee website for events near you (it uses your postcode and an interactive map), or simply follow the Queen’s encouragement and mark the event by planting a tree
Right Royal Romps
Stunning surroundings and dazzling displays aren’t just for the Queen – we all deserve the royal treatment. Our top picks for a big, bold Jubilee are:
Blenheim Palace – Jubilee Weekend Celebrations
As you might expect from the opulent and escapist world of Blenheim Palace, they’re not doing things by halves. There will be a Jubilee Trail, beacon lighting, activities for kids and traditional afternoon tea, plus the Blenheim Food and Drink Festival AND the amazing Gifford’s Circus.
Stonor Park’s Jubilee Joust
This promises to be one of the most memorable events of the weekend – with ‘knights’ in full armour going full-tilt on horseback, recreating the spectacle of the medieval joust. There will also be falconry, food, a forge and fabulous medieval costumes, plus living history displays and access to the magical Tumblestone Hollow children’s area.
The Jubilee Fiesta at Abingdon Airfield
Abingdon Airfield is known for putting on incredible air displays, and for the Platinum Jubilee they’ve managed to combine the aerial wizardry of O’Brien’s Flying Firework Circus with historic aircraft that Queen Elizabeth II herself would never forget – a Spitfire and a Hurricane. There will also be a huge firework display, live music, helicopter rides and a huge fairground.
Orchestra of St John’s Jubilee Concert at Dorchester Abbey
Enjoy an evening of music from the Queen’s Coronation and wedding, in the beautiful Dorchester Abbey. Includes works by Vaughan Williams, Handel and Purcell, and will also raise funds to support the OSJ’s work with SEN schools.
Platinum Jubilee Disco Extravaganza at Oxford Stadium
Party like a queen at this big, bold and family-friendly event – they’ve lined up a sparkling selection of cover bands (feat. the music of Tom Jones, Abba, Michael Jackson, Little Mix and Katie Perry), plus food and drink, and an invitation to put on your glad rags and dance the night away.
Community Collaborations
Jubilee street parties have become a tradition in their own right – and in that spirit, there are lots of community-minded events going on. Some of the loveliest include;
Abingdon Meadow Jubilee Festival
An eclectic mix of free and ticketed events organised by the local community, this friendly festival has something for everyone. There are lots of live bands playing, plus guided walks, the ATOM Science Festival, dance displays, Punch and Judy shows, a funfair and face painters. And then, on Sunday 5th, possibly the most intriguing Jubilee option of all: Abingdon’s celebrated bun throwing (a 400 year old tradition, unique to the town).
Witney Jubilee Celebrations
In Witney they’ve dedicated several days to their community celebrations, including a family play day, a coffee morning, beacon lighting, a concert, children’s crafts, a beer festival and a communal picnic lunch. Most events are free to attend, and there’s an additional exhibition running in the Corn Exchange coffee shop – making it easy for everyone to feel part of it all.
WISH low-waste beacon lighting and picnic, Kidlington
The team at the Waste Innovation Station HQ (WISH) have been crafting a Jubilee celebration with a focus on minimising waste, promoting recycling and reuse, and involving local people in ‘no-sew’ bunting-making. They’ll be lighting a Jubilee beacon made from repurposed materials, and holding a community picnic with food from different countries and cultures, which you can attend on a ‘pay-what-you’can’ basis.
Iffley Village’s community celebrations
Iffley’s Platinum Jubilee plans are all about keeping it local and low-key, with a bring-and-buy sale, cakes and plant sale in the village hall, a community concert featuring local musicians/groups, a walk, a picnic, and live-streamed footage of the ‘big events’, along with a bit more tea and cake.
Jubilee Barn Dance – Charlbury
If you love dancing but feel like you don’t know your left foot from your right, this community barn dance is the perfect place to celebrate – as you’ll be guided through your moves. There’s a children’s event in the afternoon, followed by the grown-ups’ version in the evening. There will also be games, ice-cream, a BBQ and a bar – so even if your moves are more ‘oh no!’ than dosey-doe, it will still be a lovely, fun occasion.
Pick of the Pubs
Oxfordshire’s pubs are serving up plenty of Jubilee joy – and if you’re looking to get into the spirit of things, these are a good place to start:
The Rose and Crown / North Parade Jubilee Market
A special, Jubilee-edition of the usual street market, with live music from the Frank Williams African Jazz Quartet. Think great grooves, real ale, and lots of tempting street food.
The Abingdon Arms, Beckley – Jubilee Festival
Head to this community-owned pub close to Otmoor RSPB reserve to celebrate ‘the best of British’, including ladies’ afternoon tea, hand-crafted cider from a local farm, fish and chips, hog roast and English wines.
Hook Norton Brewery’s Back Yard Bash
The brewery will be lit up in red, white and blue, there will be food from around Britain and the Commonwealth, and English beers, wines and spirits served in the Hooky Bar. Plus live music and the lighting of the Jubilee beacon.
Lots of local pubs are offering Jubilee specials on their menus over the long weekend, including Oxford favourites The Perch, The Fishes and The Jericho Tavern.
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Image credits: Karollyne Hubert, Jonathan Ridley and Annie Spratt on Unsplash