The Queen's Platinum Jubilee - What to watch

The four day national Holiday to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, begins on Thursday,  or Wednesday evening for those counting the minutes!

As exhaustive as this list may appear, it is only a fraction of the programming on British television this weekend marking the event.  Programmes not listed here include, how to make a jubilee picnic, the Queens favourite food and how to make them and a multitude of movies about the Empire and the Queen during the war.

However, these are likely to be the most watched and attended parts of this Jubilee weekend..

Thursday BBC1 10.00am - 1.15pm  TROOPING OF THE COLOUR

Starting off the special extended bank holiday jubilee weekend, live coverage of the platinum jubilee Trooping the Colour. This year, the 1st Battalion Irish Guards will troop their colour on Horse Guards Parade to celebrate the official birthday of HM the Queen. The morning’s events culminate with the annual appearance of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for a special jubilee flypast to celebrate the Queen's 70 years on the throne.

Thursday BBC1 8.00pm - 10.00pm PLATINUM BEACONS LIGHTING OF THE JUBILEE

Coverage of the beacons being lit around the UK and Commonwealth to celebrate the platinum jubilee of Britain’s longest serving monarch.  Outside Buckingham Palace, the senior members of the royal family will light the principal beacon. 

Thursday BBC1 10.40pm - 11.40pm 70 GLORIOUS YEARS

Recalling an extraordinary period in British history. From the transformation of Empire to Commonwealth. Narrated by Julie Walters, this warm and evocative programme is a reminder of how much the UK has evolved and developed during the Queen’s reign

Friday BBC1 9.15am - 12.30pm  A SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING

A national service of thanksgiving from St Paul’s Cathedral, acknowledging The Queen's dedicated service as monarch in the presence of senior members of the royal family.

Friday BBC1 7.30pm - 8.30pm  THE CROWN JEWELS

Documentary: The Kohinoor is the most famous - and infamous - diamond in the world, but it’s only one of tens of thousands of jewels and numerous crowns that make up Britain’s most valuable treasure, the Crown Jewels.

Saturday BBC1 4.40pm - 7.30pm JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS including:

Documentary: Queen Elizabeth Unseen Footage

Documentary: The Coronation

Saturday BBC1  7.30pm - 10.30pm  PLATINUM JUBILEE CONCERT

The third day of the platinum jubilee celebrations continues with a spectacular evening of entertainment. The concert at Buckingham Palace features a glittering array of global stars and performers from the worlds of music to celebrate 70 years of HM the Queen’s reign.

Sunday BBC1 1.00pm - 5.30pm  THE PLATINUM JUBILEE PAGEANT

A spectacular parade that brings together dancers, military displays, musicians, key workers and communities to mark HM the Queen’s 70-year reign. All of the Queen's subjects are welcome to attend The Mall.  Also, coverage of the best of the street parties from the UK. Commentary on the pageant is provided by Clare Balding.