Extra bank holiday to mark Diamond Jubilee

The Government is planning celebrations to mark this historic occasion which include:

• An additional bank holiday in June 2012:

The holiday will involve moving the late May Bank Holiday to Monday 4 June and adding an extra bank holiday on Tuesday 5 June to form a long weekend of celebration.

• A Diamond Jubilee Medal:

In keeping with the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilees, a Diamond Jubilee medal will be issued to mark the occasion.  This is currently under consideration, including the likely recipients, and further details will be announced in due course.

• A competition for civic honours:

A UK-wide competition for towns to bid for city status, launching in Spring 2010.  The competition will include a Lord Mayoralty or Lord Provostship. 

Lord President of the Privy Council, Lord Mandelson said:

“The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II will be a truly historic occasion.

“I know the entire country will want to pay their tributes to Her Majesty and to look back with pride and great affection at the many things she has achieved during her reign. 

“This special Diamond Jubilee weekend will also be an opportunity to reflect on the incredible changes that have taken place during that time, both at home and around the world.”

In addition, the Queen has agreed to confer Royal Borough status on the London Borough of Greenwich to mark the Jubilee.  This rare honour is to be bestowed in recognition of the close links between Greenwich and Royalty, from the Middle Ages to the present day.  It also acknowledges the Borough’s global significance as the home of the Prime Meridian, Greenwich Mean Time and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The campaign for a Community Day bank holiday commented on the holiday announcement: ‘This is the perfect opportunity to introduce a new bank holiday and there is no reason why this extra day off should not become a permanent fixture.

‘The Government should capitalise on the community spirit around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by introducing a new Community Day bank holiday dedicated to volunteering and community work.’