News
Exciting Events Mark Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
A number of events, projects and programmes are underway as the Cayman Islands celebrates Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, offering residents and visitors alike a variety of free and family-friendly activities throughout the community.
Events in May:
A Platinum Jubilee commemorative exhibit that began on Commonwealth Day continues until end June in the foyer of the House of Parliament. This features historical photographs of Her Majesty’s two visits to the Cayman Islands, as well as royal memorabilia and Postal Service royal stamp issues.
Grand Cayman and Little Cayman recipients of the Certificate and Badge of Honour who were named in 2022’s New Year’s Honours list were presented on Thursday, 5 May 2022 at Government House.
In partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports Culture and Heritage (MYSCH), the May schedule of events includes three events: Looky Ya!, and a Family Tea Party and an ongoing Song and Jingle Competition.
The call for a song/jingle for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee that “exemplifies the celebration of 70 years of the Queen’s reign” continues all through May until the deadline of 11.59 pm on Friday, 3 June. The winning three best entries will be announced on Saturday, 11 June at the DART Park Amphitheatre. The competition is open to national songwriters, vocal recording artists and composers (citizens and residents). For full rules, information and all queries, contact YSCH-events@gov.ky.
The CI National Museum will be hosting a Jubilee themed Looky Ya! event on Saturday, 14 May. The family-friendly event features local food, entertainment, shopping, performances and the official reveal of an animatronic display as well as free museum visits.
Another exciting Jubilee event over the Discovery Day weekend is the Cayman Islands Charity Auto Show, being held in downtown George Town on 16 May. The charity car show is free to attend, but will also feature a street food fair called LIVE where guests can purchase tickets to explore various food stalls.
On Saturday, 21 May, a Family Afternoon Tea Party - jointly sponsored by the National Gallery, the MYSCH, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation and the Youth Services Unit - will feature art activities, performances and refreshments.
The School Art Project: Jubilee Bunting and organised by the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, which started on 1 March, was one of the first celebratory activities to begin and will continue until 28 May. This project helps students create their own representative flags, which will be strung up as bunting in the gallery’s grounds during a commemorative tea party.
Events in early June:
On Thursday, 2 June, the official lighting of a beacon commemorating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty’s ascension to the Throne will occur on Cayman Brac at Christopher Columbus Gardens and at Pedro St. James on Grand Cayman, where a concert will follow.
On Friday, 3 June, an air show will be held in Grand Cayman. The static display will be at Owen Roberts International Airport while fly-by and live displays will be along Seven Mile Beach.
People across the Cayman Islands will continue the ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ initiative to plant 70 native, endemic or fruit trees in each electoral district and 70 mahogany trees across all three islands.
On Saturday, 4 June, the air show moves to Cayman Brac’s Charles Kirkconnell International Airport. The Queen’s Birthday Parade takes place at the District Administration Lawn and Kirkconnell Street. The Cayman Brac recipients of this New Year’s Certificate and Badge of Honour will receive their honours. Jubilee celebrations and fireworks follow at Spot Bay Cove.
On Grand Cayman also on Saturday, 4 June a Special Concert takes place on Seafarers Way.
On Sunday, 5 June, church services of thanksgiving for the Queen will be held on Grand Cayman at Elmslie Memorial Church; on Cayman Brac at the Aston Rutty Centre; and on Little Cayman at the Baptist Church.
Also, on Sunday, 5 June, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park will host a Children’s Tea Party.
On Monday, 6 June, the Queen’s Birthday Parade takes place on Grand Cayman in front of Government House on West Bay Road. Immediately following that, His Excellency the Governor will host the Queen’s Birthday Garden Party on the grounds of Government House. Monday evening will feature a fireworks display as the grand finale to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee/Birthday long weekend celebrations.
On 11 June, the winners of the national Queen’s Platinum Jubilee song/jingle competition will be announced.
Additional events are scheduled throughout the rest of year and will be announced in due course.
(GIS)
