Many cornerstones of our society are embodied in buildings that lie along the River Thames like a “string of pearls”. Until December these institutions will open up - some of them for the first time - and be mounting hundreds of special events and activities to explore their royal associations. All will be offering a chance to see new things, question and find out. See website for full calendar.

www.stringofpearls.org.uk

Date: May 23 onwards Event: Jubilee Odyssey Suspended Roller Coaster Location: The Magical World of Fantasy, Skegness, Lincolnshire

The longest roller coaster of its kind in the world opens this week. The ride, which boasts the steepest drop of any suspended roller coaster, has been commissioned specially for the Jubilee.

Email: info@fantasyisland.co.uk www.fantasyisland.co.uk

Date: Until June 30 Event: Jubilee Exhibition Location: Salford Museum, Lancashire

A fascinating look at how Royal Jubilees have been celebrated in the past in Salford. Also hear some stories from Salford people about their experiences.

Tel: 0161 736 2649

Email: salford.museum@salford.gov.uk www.oninsalford.com

Date: Until September 28 Event: Royal Progresses Location: Castles and royal houses nationwide

Kings and queens traditionally “progressed” from palace to royal house, where entertainments were staged for them. As they toured they would enjoy music, drama, tournaments and sports. Royal Progresses recreates this grandeur with a train of events at castles and houses across the country.

Tel: 0870 333 1181 for free diary

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Date: Until October 30 Event: The Queen’s Christmas Cards Location: Sandringham House, Norfolk

Special Golden Jubilee display of photographs and cards showing in the unique history of the Royal Family, including cards to Her Majesty from an incredible range of people.

Tel: Sandringham House 01553 772675

www.sandringhamhouse.co.uk

Date: Until November 3 Event: Jubilee! Exhibition of Her Majesty’s dresses Location: Museum of Costume, Bath

An exhibition of fourteen of The Queen’s evening dresses from the 1950s to the 1970s which have never been on public display before.

Tel: 01225 477789

Email: costume_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk

www.museumofcostume.co.uk

Date: June 1-September 22 Event: Six Hundred Years of Royal Sugar Sculpture Location: The Bowes Museum, County Durham

Exhibition which traces the origins of sugarpaste sculpture as a Royal art form. It features a spectacular recreation of an early 19th century celebratory table setting and some of the best examples of the art will be on display.

Tel: 01833 694602 Email: info@bowesmuseum.org.uk www.bowesmuseum.org.uk

Date: June 8 Event: 17th Century Faire Location: Little Baddow, Essex

A 17th Century Faire with historical reenactment of the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. Also a “Queen and Jubilee” Wordsearch for under 14s and authentic stalls and sideshows, including pillory and stocks.

Tel: Julie Nisbett 01245 226315

Email: julienisbett@hotmail.com www.littlebaddowfaire.co.uk

Date: July 9-14 Event: The Spice of Leeds Festival Location: Venues throughout Leeds, West Yorkshire

An exciting arts festival including live music, dance, theatre, literature etc, from all parts of the globe. Involving all sections of the community with over 300 children performing.

Tel: 0113 248 0795

Email: info@spiceofleeds.com www.spiceofleeds.com (from end June)

Date: September 14 Event: Celebration of Time Location: River Thames, London

A flotilla of craft will process along the Thames from Kew to Greenwich, finishing with a picnic and pageant at Greenwich Park. The Royal Shallop Jubilant will be at the centre of the procession.

Email: mail@jubilant.org.uk www.jubilant.org.uk

PUBLICATIONS

Celebrating Jubilee!

A teachers’ guide for primary citizenship and RE. Includes the origins of jubilee in the Bible; the monarchy today. From The Stapleford Centre, pound;6.95 Tel: 015 939 6270 www.stapleford-centre.org

Coronation Day

Wallchart and picture pack with 16 photos From PCET Publishing, pound;23.49 Tel: 020 8567 9206 www.pcet.co.uk

Tom’s Jubilee: A Victorian Story

Historical novel for Years 56 by Richard Brown, from Anglia Young Books, pound;4.25 Tel: 0800 7312 837

Queen Elizabeth II

KS1 biography by Vic Parker, Heinemann Library, pound;5.50 Queen Elizabeth II: Monarch of Our Times KS2 biography by Sarah and Richard Barton Wood, Hodder Children’s Books, pound;5.99

Queen Elizabeth

By John Malam, Evans Brothers Tell Me about Kings and Queens series, pound;4.99