Her subjects party as the Queen goes to the Derby

The focus of all the festivities begins her big weekend at the races, while country prepares for a thoroughbred bash

www.independent.co.uk Saturday 2nd of June

The Diamond Jubilee bankholiday will start today with barbecues and parties being held  in a way only the British can organize them. Maybe you have seen them on TV once, they have these enormous street barbecues and where everyone brings something to eat and drink. It is estimated that almost six million people will be holding parties over the next four days.

Queen Elizabeth II will begin the four days of Jubilee festivities by attending the Epsom Derby, which is a very prestigious race. (that is to say,horse-racing for those of you who do not know what race I am talking about).  The queen has been “in office” for an astounding 60 years, and is more popular among the Britsh people than ever.

The biggest event will take place tomorrow, Sunday 3^rd of June, when the Queen and her husband Prince Philip will take part in a Thames flotilla which will take them from Putney to Tower Bridge. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to line the banks of the Thames to get a glimpse of the Queen.

Moreover, on Monday, there will be a concert which will be performed on the roof of Buckingham Palace. Sir Paul McCartney, Elton John and Shirley Bassey will be performing there and the performance will be broadcast live by the BBC.

Reaction

I really like the British for doing things like this. It is completely over the top but also very British. It also shows how popular the Royal family is, especially the Queen. The Royals have had difficult times in the past, especially after the death of  Princess Diana but I think times have changed and the Royal Family has become more popular . I think the UK is in for a huge party; of course there are people that argue that partying like this is totally not done, but I am in favour of it. In difficult times like this, a party like the Diamond Jubilee party could lift up the spirits of the people, which is exactly what they need. However,I think most people need a a few days to recover after this event; a Pound Sterling 83 per head demand on beer and wine is expected.