VISITORS to Sunderland’s shopping centre can already get into the jubilee spirit, with the installation of a huge display of flags and bunting.
And the decorations which have this week been hung across all of the malls at the Bridges are paving the way for the centre’s very own right royal celebrations which will run until the jubilee weekend.
Shoppers will get the opportunity to send their own special greetings to the Queen, thanks to a giant card which they can sign and will then be sent to Buckingham Palace.
And anyone who is feeling particularly patriotic can use the Britannia themed selfie booth which is also taking up residence in the centre, alongside traditional lawn games including indoor croquet, jenga and oversized dominoes.
The party proper gets underway on 3 and 4 June, with a family friendly programme of activities.
On Friday 3 June a live band with singers will be performing in the centre from 1pm, setting the scene for a whole afternoon of entertainment which will play music from across the decades of Her Majesty’s reign.
Shoppers will also be able to enjoy a performance by the Shoe Shop Quartet, a group of female barber-shop style singers, who will be putting their own unique twist on some classic songs from across the decade.
The Bridges has commissioned a special jubilee cake and jubilee cupcakes which will be given out for free across the afternoon to visitors to the centre.
Youngsters will be able to get their faces painted on both Friday and Saturday, with a balloon modeller who will be making crowns for youngsters on site on 4 June.
Karen Eve, Centre Director at the Bridges, said this was a very special occasion that needed to be celebrated.
“The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a once in a lifetime event and something for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
“We wanted to play our part and we have created a really fun programme which we believe will appeal to people of all ages.”