Celebrations announced across four-day weekend in June

PUBS, clubs and bars could be allowed to stay open for an extra two hours during the extended bank holiday celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the government has announced.

It is right that the country should mark this celebration in a special way

The government will seek to extend licensing hours across England and Wales to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 70-year reign. A “blockbuster” weekend of celebrations is planned, including a four-day bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June - Sunday 5 June to allow the nation to celebrate the historic milestone.

The Queens Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday June The Royal Family Facebook
The Queen celebrates her 70-year reign in 2022 Image: The Royal Family / Facebook

The Home Office has launched a public consultation on extending licensing hours for pubs, clubs and bars from the normal 11pm to 1am on Thursday 2, Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June.

Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said, "The Platinum Jubilee is a truly historic occasion, and it is right that the country should mark this celebration in a special way.

"This extension will enable families, friends and communities across England and Wales to raise a glass to toast Her Majesty The Queen and mark her incredible service to our country."

Pouring A Pint In Whitelocks Ale House Leeds
Pubs could get an extra two hours to serve booze Image: Confidentials

Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 allows the Home Secretary to make a licensing hours order, giving permission to premises to open for specified, extended hours to mark occasions of exceptional international, national or local significance.

Past national occasions where the government has extended licensing hours have included the royal weddings in 2011 and 2018, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Her Majesty's 90th birthday in 2016, and the FIFA World Cup in 2014. 

On 6 February this year, The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from 2 - 5 June.

Keen bakers are invited to take part in The Platinum Pudding Competition, to find a brand new pudding dedicated to The Queen. 

The Big Jubilee Lunch and Fortnum & Mason are inviting applications from UK residents aged 8 and over to create the perfect Platinum Pudding recipe. 

Five finalists will prepare their pudding for an expert judging panel including Dame Mary Berry, Monica Galetti and Buckingham Palace head chef Mark Flanagan. The winning recipe will be made available to the public. 

For more information on the Queen's Jubilee celebrations visit the official Platinum Jubilee 2022 website.