Orange Pip Market launches the Platinum Jubilee series of events with a triple bill of the foodie’s favourite.
Saturday, May 28 sees the first market of the year and kick-starts the Jubilee celebrations. Making a welcome return to Baker and Bedford Street, the opening weekend also marks the Pip’s birthday as it officially turns six years old!
On Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3 fans can flock to Centre Square to enjoy food and drink, live music, street theatre performances and vintage fairground rides.
‘The Queen’s Knickers’ inspired arts and crafts and tasty artisan makes and bakes will also be available across both days.
Visitors to the Thursday market can take part in punk-rock inspired tote bag printing, the Two Tin Cans printing press from artist Suzie Devey and a special one-off pub style quiz presented by Boro-based vegan restaurant, V-Edge.
Evening entertainment can be found at the Dorman Museum from 8-10pm with a Jubilee Night at the Museum. Featuring live music and tea and cake, visitors can also check out a royal themed exhibition inside.
The official Jubilee Beacon will be lit at the Cenotaph at 9.30pm and the ceremony will include a piper, a bugle player and more live music.
The fun continues at the second Orange Pip Market on Friday with Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club inspired craft activities and a Middlesbrough Mela takeover.
Vintage Bollywood, henna artists, South Asian street food and Bollywood DJs will fill the square with Jubilee joy.
Street theatre entertainment includes giant pigeons, stilt walkers and a ‘high tea’ performance that is set to wow audiences with its stunning acrobatics and cake-inspired visuals.
Friday will also see the town centre come to life with a special family-friendly Jubilee Parade celebrating 70 years of British culture.
From the weird to the wonderful and everywhere in between, local groups and schools will parade as pigeons, afternoon tea, punk rockers and more!
The parade begins and ends at Middlesbrough Town Hall – the ideal location for any Orange Pip visitors to pop out and see all the amazing costumes.
Winding its way along Corporation Road towards the Bus Station, the town centre route also passes through Captain Cook Square and the Cleveland Centre, before reaching Grange Road and Albert Road. Plenty of viewing points for friends and families to cheer on the crowds!
Fairground fans can jump aboard the rides at Albert Park throughout the weekend celebrations.
Suitable for adults and children, the fair is open daily from 1-9pm. Pricing and ride details are available via www.facebook.com/CrowsFunfairs
Another fun ride will be at the Dorman Museum as the Virtual Reality Jungle Boat Ride makes a welcome return for May half-term and the Jubilee bank holiday.
Hop on and travel along the jungle river for a fully immersive, 360 degree experience with sights, sounds and motion.
The VR Jungle Boat Ride is available from Saturday, May 28 – Sunday, June 5. Tickets are £4 per person or £14 for a group of four and are available via www.ticketsource.co.uk/museum
A host of street parties will bring the long weekend celebrations to a close on Sunday, June 5 as communities across Middlesbrough come together to celebrate the Jubilee in true Boro style.
Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor Councillor Mieka Smiles said: “We are well and truly putting Middlesbrough on the map with our Jubilee events.
“There’s so much going on to celebrate an amazing 70 years of the Queen and we hope that everyone has a brilliant time across the long weekend and enjoys our line-up of events and entertainment.”
Jubilee events summary - all events are free unless otherwise stated:
Throughout May
- Royal Visits to Teesside: a micro-exhibition, Middlesbrough Central Library (during library opening hours)
Friday, May 27 – Sunday, June 5
- Crow’s Funfair, Albert Park. For ride and price information visit www.facebook.com/CrowsFunfairs.
Saturday, May 28 – Sunday, June 5
- Virtual Reality Jungle Boat Ride, Dorman Museum. £4 per person or £14 for a group of four via www.ticketsource.co.uk/museum.
Saturday, May 28
- 9.30am-4.30pm, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee choir workshop, Middlesbrough Town Hall
- 12-7pm, Orange Pip Market, Baker and Bedford Street
Monday, May 30
- 7pm-8.30pm, History Wardrobe presents: Coronation Catwalk, Middlesbrough Central Library, £5 via 01642 729002
Thursday, June 2
- 11-6pm, Orange Pip Market Bank Holiday Special, Centre Square
- 8-10pm, Jubilee Night at the Museum, Dorman Museum
- 9.30pm, the official Jubilee Beacon lighting, Cenotaph
Friday, June 3
- 11-6pm, Orange Pip Market Bank Holiday Special, Centre Square
- 1-2pm, Jubilee Parade, Middlesbrough town centre
Saturday, June 4
- 7.30pm, Mercury – The Ultimate Queen Tribute, Middlesbrough Theatre
To discover more Platinum Jubilee events and activities visit www.wearemiddlesbrough.com
