The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Queen’s platinum jubilee: How are the celebrations being funded?
The government has spent almost £30 million on the celebration
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Queen’s platinum jubilee is upon us, with a four-day bank holiday weekend of festivities set to begin on Thursday.
The public holiday is in celebration of the monarch’s historic reign as she marks 70 years on the throne.
Events organised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Buckingham Palace include the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Thursday and a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday.
Buckingham Palace will also host the Party at the Palace on Saturday, and a Platinum Jubilee Pageant has been planned for Sunday.
Separately, members of the public have organised their own celebrations up and down the country, including more than 16,000 street parties.
The official events will also see performances from celebrities including Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys, Craig David and Sir Elton John.
Given the extravagance of the celebrations, they will come with a hefty price tag. Here’s everything we know about how much the platinum jubilee is costing.
How much money has the government set aside?
In his March 2021 Budget, Chancellor Rish Sunak announced that £28 million is being set aside to fund the jubilee celebrations.
What other funding is being used?
The National Lottery has set up a platinum jubilee fund, which is making more than £22 million available to help communities across England celebrate.
The fund is providing grants of up to £50,000 to 70 community projects up and down the UK.
Additionally, Arts Council England has a Create Jubilee Fund which is supporting voluntary and community organisations in England to ensure creative and cultural activities are given centre stage during the bank holiday weekend.
The fund has been issuing grants of up to £10,000.
Separately, the council announced £175,000 to help public libraries celebrate.
Sport England created the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Activity Fund from a pot of £5 million National Lottery money. Grants from £300 to £10,000 are being issued for initiatives which are “bringing a community together and tackling inequalities”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments