One thing is for sure, the gathering of people and loved ones is top of our lists for how we plan to spend the Jubilee long weekend. After prolonged periods of not spending time together we are all getting stuck in and connecting again.
Alice and I have social engagements galore, from beacon lighting, river bbq’s, street parties and sunday lunches so we’ll be loaded up with sock shaped gifts for our hosts and hostesses and more than likely extra pairs stuffed in jackets for chilly feet on mountain tops and river banks!
On Thursday 2nd June more than 2,022 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, and one in each of the capital cities of Commonwealth countries in recognition of The Queen’s long and selfless service.
I will be some way up the munro Ben Vorlich, over looking Loch Earn (where much of our photography for PAIRs was taken) to light a beacon with friends and locals alike. Wrapped up warm and with sleeping bags in the bag of Land Rovers for the littlest of guests since the lighting happens at 9:45pm.
I will be wholly disappointed if our host doesn’t bring his pipes to play Diu Regnare, which has been composed by The Royal Celtic Society member Stuart Liddell in honour of this historic event. I know he will though and it will be chillingly atmospheric up there and rather emotional I suspect.
Another prominent British tradition is, of course, the street party. Where people are drawn out of their homes to celebrate together in streets, parks, gardens and places of worships in an explosion of bunting and revelry. Millions will be getting involved in the Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5th June to share a cuppa with neighbours, hopefully with music, games and plenty of scones.
Alice, master event planner and menu aficionado is at the forefront of planning her village party. The bouncy castle has been booked, the local musicians selected and a feast of sour dough pizza and Pimms followed by strawberries and ice cream will keep the guests in high spirits.
A carnival air will hover across Britain and many parts of the world to celebrate the life long service of Liz (as she is affectionately known in our house) as she enters the 71st year of her reign.
