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May 25, 2012, 12:52 pm -- /EPR NETWORK/ -- The Queen's Diamond Jubilee extended weekend takes place from 2-5 June and boasts an extensive list of events, exhibitions and attractions, most of which are free; LondonTown.com has the low down on three of the best free events.
The River Thames will be a hive of action on 3 June as hundreds of boats, sailing ships, kayaks and canoes come together to form a seven and a half mile long flotilla in celebration the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant rekindles an age-old royal tradition dating back to 1533 when Anne Boleyn travelled by boat for her coronation. However, this flotilla will be the biggest the Thames has seen in more than 350 years. The route runs from Putney Bridge to Tower Bridge and roads around the Thames will be cleared of traffic to make way for thousands of spectators. Additionally, there will be as many as 50 giant screens along the route so everyone can keep up with the action.
Throughout the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend, London will be filled with music, mostly on a free basis. The biggest and best free event will take place on 4 June outside Buckingham Palace . However all free, balloted tickets for the BBC Diamond Jubilee Concert have now been allocated, but visitors to the capital need not despair. They can still enjoy live acts from Sir Elton John, sir Paul McCartney, Sir Cliff Richard, Annie Lennox, Jools Holland, Jessie J, JLS and Ed Sheeran for free by heading to the giant screens erected in St James' Park and Green Park .
The Big Jubilee Lunch takes over Piccadilly on 3 June as a 500-seat table stretches all the way from Piccadilly Circus to St James making it one of the largest street parties London has ever witnessed. The event hopes to showcase ‘the very best of British entertainment, culture, art, music and food' and is supported by local shops and restaurants such as Fortnum & Mason, The Ritz and The Wolseley.
To make trips to capital more affordable and accessible, LondonTown.com has negotiated discounted room rates at a range of London hotels. Offers include 87% off the Thistle Westminster Hotel, bringing room rates at this four-star hotel to £76 per night, and up to 92% off rooms at the four-star The Tower-A Guoman Hotel so rates start at £75 per room, per night.
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