text: When you’ve spent 70 years on the throne, a party is definitely in order! And at a a respectable (and pretty mobile!) 96 years old, it’s worthy of a celebration, in fact, given that old Queenie is, of course, the shining jewel in our country’s crown. Many of Bristol’s favourite venues are getting the party started in style this June bank holiday for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with plenty of fun, Jubilee-themed events in store for the people of Bristol to enjoy. Check out our guide to some of the best Jubilee events happening in Bristol over the June bank holiday.
  1. Sip on a selection of brilliant brews over the Jubilee weekend at this Bristol beer trail
  Adding to the Jubilee bank holiday excitement is a brand new event for beer lovers, Bedminster Beer Trail, enticing Bristolians to head ‘South of the river’ and get a taste for the incredible scene that BS3 has to offer and satisfy their taste buds. Beer enthusiasts will be able to follow a map of 12 venues across North and East Street and sample each venue’s specialty beer, selected specially for the celebration, and get a stamp to mark off each venue. In true Jubilee spirit, each venue will be hosting something special and out of the ordinary to really mark the occasion.
  2. Explore Clifton Suspension Bridge’s underground chambers with a visit to the vaults
  With a four-day weekend coming up to celebrate the Queen, it’s a great chance to discover the city’s impressive architecture such as Clifton Suspension Bridge. The bridge’s Vaults Visits, takin place on June 2 & 3, allow you to explore inside the Leigh Woods Vaults, built by famous Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and rediscovered twenty years ago. Put on your hard hat, climb down the ladder and follow the sensory map as you explore the largest and most significant of the twelve stone vaults – an impressive underground echo chamber 11 metres high and festooned in stalactites.
  3. Bring out your competitive side (and the bubbles) at this Platinum Jubilee Brunch Social at Flight Club
  Kickstart the long weekend with Flight Club‘s Platinum Jubilee Brunch Social, which will take place every day from 12pm and 2:30pm, where you’ll be treated like royalty with a Monarch Martini on arrival, a bottle of Prosecco for every guest, endless pizza and the option to play Social Darts. There’ll also be complimentary carafes of orange juice and water at the ready (mimosas, anyone?). If you decide to add Social Darts to your daytime gatherings, you’ll spend an hour getting competitive in the oche perfecting your throw and another hour toasting your champion at the bar.
  4. Kick off festival season and the Queen’s Jubilee with amazing music at Love Saves the Day
  Starting the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend as we mean to go on, this year’s Love Saves the Day festival is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Playing host to live sets from both headliners Chase & Status and Bicep, and taking place on June 2 & 3, the festival’s diverse offering of fresh talent and towering names will play across 10 stages at its new home, Bristol’s iconic Ashton Court, also celebrating its tenth year. From international superstars to emerging acts ready to give their all – and definitely ones to watch – there is something for everyone.
  5. Get in the royal spirit with a Jubilee afternoon tea at The Ivy
  Celebrating the Jubilee with an afternoon tea that’s fit for a Queen, The Ivy Clifton will be pulling out all the stops this coming bank holiday, with a limited-edition menu, and a Jubilee spin on the beloved Chocolate Bombe dessert. The afternoon tea will be packed with show-stopping cakes, classic British sandwiches a proper English scones. You can also sip on Royal-themed cocktails which have regal titles such as Lilibet, Queen Victoria and The Virgin Queen.
  6. Sit back in the Queen’s seat on board a Concorde plane at Aerospace Bristol
  Seat 1A – the window seat located at the front-left of the passenger cabin – was Her Majesty’s choice whenever she flew onboard Concorde back when the plane was able to fly. As part of the Jubilee weekend events happening in Bristol to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign, visitors to Aerospace Bristol will be offered the rare opportunity to sit in Concorde Seat 1A during the four-day bank holiday weekend. The chance to sit in the Queen’s seat will be included free with museum admission throughout the Jubilee weekend. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability.
  7. Celebrate the Jubilee with cuteness overload at this Bristol dog show
  On June 5, The Ostrich in Bristol is hosting their first dog show, Scuffs, which will be raising money for Bristol Animal Rescue Centre. Does your dog have what it takes? Waggiest tales? Prettiest eyes? Best trick? There are plenty of classes for you and your dog to win rosettes at Scruffs. There will be some of the most loved and classic classes, as well as some extra silly ones for you to enjoy. There will also be stalls to stock up on all your dog treats including dog beer, Puppy Pilsner! In addition, the pub will have face painting for humans and a photo booth to snap a picture of favourite furry child.
  8. Queen’s Jubilee garden party at Old Down Country Park
  With summer and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on their way, there’s no better time for a garden party. Old Down Country Park will be hosting a garden party on June 3 within their beautiful walled garden, the day will see a celebration of the Queen’s 70 year service. The park will decked out in bunting and plans to be a fun, family day of celebratory spirit, cream teas, strawberries, children’s crafts, face painting, music and more. Along with the a traditional British celebration there will be plenty to keep everyone busy with 66 acres of open space featuring beautiful gardens, woodlands, play areas and an animal park to explore.