This is a sponsored article on behalf of St Paul's Cathedral.
For centuries, St Paul's Cathedral has been a place of national celebration here in the UK and, this year, it's commemorating something extra special — the Queen's Platinum Jubilee!
The London landmark and working church certainly knows a thing or two about Royal Jubilees — it's held grand ceremonial occasions in honour of four different monarchs across 200 years. But this one will be utterly unique because Queen Elizabeth II is the first British monarch to reach the milestone of a 70-year reign.
Read on to find out what it's got up its baroque sleeves this time, and how you can get involved...
The celebrations start on Wednesday 25 May with the launch of Jubilee: St Paul's, the Monarch and the Changing World.
This riveting exhibition explores the magnificent occasions held at the Cathedral to commemorate the respective Jubilees of George III, Victoria, George V and Elizabeth II. It's a cracking chance to learn more about each monarch, their world, and the role St Paul's Cathedral played in it.
Along the way, you'll encounter a wealth of archival photographs, prints and paintings, as well as treasures from the Cathedral's collection including exquisite vestments used during these ceremonies.
Alongside these fascinating historical artefacts, you'll find some more contemporary exhibits; namely, designs for commemorative tea towels created by local school students in collaboration with the St Paul's Schools and Family Learning team.
As this suggests, Jubilee: St Paul's, the Monarch and the Changing World really is an exhibition that all ages can enjoy. With admission included with sightseeing tickets, it's a great value family day out and there's loads of flexibility, as the exhibition will remain until December.
For schools, bespoke, curriculum-linked workshops are available alongside trips to the exhibition this summer.
That's not the only way young ones can get involved with the celebrations, though: St Paul's Cathedral is also hosting a special outreach project for school children, inviting them to sing and record one of their favourite hymns, sharing on social media with the hashtag #ChoirfortheQueen.
We haven't even got to the main event yet! That's the Service of Thanksgiving on the morning of Friday 3 June, slap-bang in the middle of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend (Thursday 2 June-Sunday 5 June), which includes two bank holidays.
The Service of Thanksgiving features bible readings, anthems, prayers and congregational hymns aimed at fostering unity, peace, and togetherness, including a new anthem by Judith Weir, Master of The Queen's Music.
But that's not all. More events inspired by the Platinum Jubilee will soon be unveiled, including late-night openings in July and August. You definitely won't want to miss those, not least because St Paul's Cathedral at sunset is a very special sight indeed.
Click here to stay abreast of the latest Jubilee-related updates at St Paul's Cathedral, and to plan your visit today.
