As only the 2nd monarch, alongside Queen Victoria, to ever fulfill 60 years on the throne, it’s a significant year for the Queen of England, with June 2nd, 2012 marking her Diamond Jubilee. Britons were rejoicing not only for their proud heritage, but, of course, for the extended public holiday in her honor, and the weekend of June 2nd-5th was a host of celebrations to mark the event. Whether you were joining the masses in the capital or watching from afar, these were the most important Diamond Jubilee events.

The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, June 3rd: An incredible procession of some 1,000 boats from all over the world were floating down the Thames behind the Royal Barge where the Queen herself was traveling.

BBC Diamond Jubilee Concert, June 4th: An epic concert featuring British bands and artists from throughout the Queen’s reign, this was the gig to end all gigs, held at Buckingham Palace itself. Not only that but the Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal family were all in attendance. 10,000 tickets were available by public ballot.

Jubilee Service and Carriage Procession, June 5th: A service of thanksgiving was held at the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral, followed by a formal carriage procession from Westminster to Buckingham Palace that ended with a 60-gun salute at the Palace, a Royal Family appearance on the famous balcony and an RAF fly-past.

Big Jubilee Lunch, June 3rd: The Big Lunch Initiative has become a popular method of community celebration throughout England, the idea being to share lunch with friends and neighbors. Picnics, street parties and gatherings took place all over London on this day.

What else? From May 10th-13th, military musicians and equestrians were joined by dancers and musicians from around the world for displays in the grounds of Windsor Castle, followed by a parade and muster by 2,500 Royal troops on the 19th.

The Queen attended the famous Epsom Derby on June 2nd and lit the National Beacon on June 4th, followed by 2,012 beacons lit around the UK and the Commonwealth in celebration of the Jubilee.
There were also plenty of Royal exhibitions shown at the V&A Museum, National Portrait Gallery and National Maritime museum, as well as the special Diamonds exhibition shown at Buckingham Palace.