The UK is getting an extra Bank Holiday in 2022 for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

The UK is getting an extra Bank Holiday in 2022, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen will have been on the throne for 70 years in June 2022, and a weekend of celebrations is being planned to commemorate this.

Culture Secretary Olive Dowden announced the news today, saying the country would celebrate the Queen’s long reign – it’s the first time a British monarch has reached this milestone.

Number 10 / Flickr

According to Mr Dowden, the May Bank Holiday will be moved to Thursday June 2nd while an additional new Bank Holiday on Friday June 3rd will see four days of celebrations.

The event will look back at the Queen’s reign and the impact she’s had on both the UK and the world since taking the throne in 1952.

Plans for the big weekend are currently being developed by organisers, digital design companies and other creatives.

There will be events in London and other major cities, as well as in communities across the Commonwealth, with people getting involved at both a national and local level.

Julian Calder / Wikimedia

There’s also plans for a Platinum Jubilee Medal to be given to people in public service, like those in the Armed Forces, prison services and the emergency services.

Mr Dowden said: “Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee will be a truly historic moment – and one that deserves a celebration to remember.

“We can all look forward to a special, four-day Jubilee weekend, when we will put on a spectacular, once-in-a-generation show that mixes the best of British ceremonial splendour with cutting edge art and technology.

“It will bring the entire nation and the Commonwealth together in a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s reign.”