Well-travelled writer Shani bishop reflects on British celebrations during summer.
Photographs: Unsplash
Text: Shani Bishop
The best summer event so far has been the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee. During the four-day celebrations, the country really came alive. There was the Trooping of the Colour (Queen's Birthday Parade) in London, events across the country, a fantastic concert outside Buckingham Palace and street parties everywhere. I did apply for tickets for the concert but alas wasn't lucky!
To serve your people for 70 years is quite a feat, especially when you never expected to be Queen. The abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, in 1936, meant that Queen Elizabeth stepped into the role after her father, King George VI, passed away. Most of us have never experienced another monarch, and she will be the longest-reigning monarch in two years. We all understand that we will never have another Platinum Jubilee in our lifetime, so it's very significant. However, it's also doubtful any future Monarch will reach this milestone.
The party
As this was so symbolic, we wanted the children to be part of it, so we attended a party on our road. Meeting our neighbours was really good. There were gazebos and brightly coloured decorations, and everyone had prepared food. I made a Swedish chocolate cake. It was brilliant to put names to faces, and since that day, we have been able to wave and smile at a new group of people. One of the best things about living in a village is walking around and knowing people, so an event like this helps to create a cosy village with a great atmosphere.
Village Day
After two years, our village finally celebrated together. There were dog shows, exciting motorbike displays, fun fair rides, and many food tents. The best part of going was meeting all our friends, new and old. It's a chance for the community to come together and celebrate the best of it.
"We plan to head to France for the first time in 6 years. I'm looking forward to relaxing, listening to the language and enjoying the food."
Life in the UK during summer
Over the summer, there are so many events in the UK. Most people have heard of Wimbledon and the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, but there are also huge food, music, flower and horse racing festivals like Taste of London, Glastonbury, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and Glorious Goodwood. They're also a surprising number of family festivals and literary events. Jane Austen, Lewis Carol (Alice in Wonderland) and Agatha Christie are celebrated too.
Family summer
We plan to head to France for the first time in 6 years. I'm looking forward to relaxing, listening to the language and enjoying the food. I'm also taking my boys on holiday to Dorset with my parents. Dorset is a beautiful county with sandy beaches, gorgeous villages and lots of kid-friendly things to do like Monkey World! My lucky sons also go away on a canoeing holiday with scouts to the Norfolk Broads in East Anglia. It's their first time away by themselves. It will be interesting to see how they change and get up to!