When the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend is, what events are planned, and next Bank Holiday dates

Ever since her father, King George VI, died in February 1952, Queen Elizabeth II has sat on the throne and led the nation. Her Majesty is Britain's longest-reigning monarch and has now been Queen of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations for 70 years.

Of course, it's only right we mark this historic occasion in the best way - with parades, street parties and, what many of us are most looking forward to, a national Bank Holiday. Across the UK, millions of people are set to gather with family, friends and neighbours to mark the special occasion on the official Platinum Jubilee weekend at the end of this month, whilst some events have already started and others will take place later in the summer.

The Platinum Jubilee bank holiday will take place on Friday, June 3, the day after the Spring Bank Holiday on Thursday, June 2. This means thousands of us will benefit from a four-day weekend. Bliss!

Read more: Queen spotted reapplying lipstick while at Platinum Jubilee Celebration

The official website for the Royal Family explains: "A special extended bank holiday weekend will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone. On 6th February this year, Her Majesty The Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

"To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. The four days of celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of