Overview
Her birthday actually falls on the 21st of April but every year we celebrate the Queen’s coming of age, and the fact that she’s our nation’s official head of state, with a day off work and a weekend full of events on the 1st of June.
Queens Wharf will suitably be the main destination for festivities this long weekend. The free, all ages event will celebrate all things British over three days.
The Great Queen's Birthday Market will see Shed 10 transformed with a range of stalls where expats can stock up on the products they love and miss. The 80-strong Auckland Symphony Orchestra will be on hand to perform a programme of British classics and pop standards. A medieval zone will feature battle recreations, as well as a display of armoury and weapons from the middle ages. And, in line with this week's biggest sporting controversy, a FIFA U-20 World Cup Fever Pitch will also be on site.
There will also be a performance of Highland dancers in full attire, carnival rides, a traditional marionette puppet show, a collection of vintage cars, copious amounts of tea, and screenings of classic films: Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Paddington.