We hear that plans are in the works for some exciting events in Maritime Greenwich to mark the end of a weekend of celebrations (February 3-5) as Greenwich becomes the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
A dramatic early evening waterfront firework display to music at the Old Royal Naval College will end a whole day of celebrations on Sunday, February 5, as visitors and the people of Greenwich mark the borough’s new Royal Status. It has been bestowed on the borough by HM The Queen as one of the first actions of the Diamond Jubilee Year. Greenwich becomes only the fourth "Royal Borough" and the first new one for 85 years.
The fireworks will follow an amazing ‘Grand Royal Parade’ through Greenwich, featuring lanterns, a mock golden carriage and around 1,000 people taking part. Before the fireworks and parade there will be festivities and entertainment in and around Greenwich Town Centre throughout the day, with events taking place at some of the world heritage site’s most famous locations, from the recently extended National Maritime Museum to the Old Royal Naval College on the banks of the River Thames.
Some of the highlights will include:
• Fireworks at 6 p.m. in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, and the building will be lit with a ‘gobo’ featuring the new Royal Borough logo
• A ‘Grand Royal Parade’ at 5:30 p.m. with lanterns, golden carriages and expected to feature up to 1,000 people
• An outdoor stage from 2 p.m. at the Old Royal Naval College, featuring various artists and local performers
• Lantern-making workshops at the National Maritime Museum
• In addition, a general open day at the National Maritime Museum with various workshops being held
• Greenwich Town Centre will be decorated with new Royal Borough banners throughout
• A display at the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre at the Old Royal Naval College including the Letters Patent and a Royal Borough display
• The chance for children to dress in royal costume and to take part in the parade and other activities
• Roving royal-themed entertainment throughout Greenwich Town Centre
Visit www.greenwich.gov.uk/site for more information on the borough's new status and upcoming events.