June 2-6 will be a momentous occasion for the country when everyone gets together to commemorate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne. Sunderland Vibe brings you the lowdown on the amazing festivities planned for the city this summer…

A joint initiative between Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council, The Big Lunch will run throughout the day on 5 June, and will be filled with plenty of family-friendly activities in Mowbray Park from 11am to 4pm. Silver screen magic is in store for those who love a good movie as there’s to be an outdoor cinema screening with a royal theme. Who could resist getting into the jubilee spirit with a bucket of popcorn and movies such as The Queen’s Corgi, Royal Night Out and The King's Speech? For those who need to work off excess energy, a kids sports club will be putting youngsters through their paces throughout the day. And that’s not all. A flavour of the Big Top will be present with the colourful sight of circus performers entertaining the crowds. Mention must also be made of royal-themed workshops including crown making and (the one we all need to know), learning how to faint like a princess… It wouldn’t be a party without music and there should be something for everyone as local buskers and popular band, Back Chat Brass, will be providing the soundtrack for the day.

Of course, food is central to any festive occasion and food vendors will be on hand to provide refreshments - or you may choose to bring along your own picnic. Anyone worried about overindulging will also have the opportunity to burn off a few calories with a silent disco-style clubbercise, Zumba and cardio blast sessions suitable for people of all ages. Adding to the English country fete atmosphere will be old fashioned garden games, of the kind you can imagine Her Majesty playing in her youth! The Platinum Jubilee activities are also being supported by Cultural Spring, Sunderland Culture and Gentoo, who are working together to engage older people and communities in the hope that they will take part in the event. Across the UK, you can expect to find street parties, parades and much, much more on the Bank Holiday weekend devoted to all things Platinum Jubilee. If you are looking for ideas on how to mark this milestone in Sunderland, then you’ve come to the right place, as an exciting programme of events has been launched to bring everyone together in celebration. A fantastic feast is planned as part of The Big Jubilee Lunch, a nationwide initiative to bring communities together. For those in Sunderland looking to revel in the celebrations, then make sure you take a trip over to Mowbray Park; this 19th-century urban green space is going to be transformed into a royally festive wonderland come June 5th. The event will be absolutely free to everyone and will allow elder residents and those who don’t get out much to enjoy the British summer time, join in with all the festivities and make some new friends.