Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee in Dorset
As you are no doubt aware, various events will be taking place across the region to celebrate 70 years of service by Her Majesty The Queen. As well as activities during the extended bank holiday from 2nd to 5th June, there will also be themed things-to-do across communities and in other venues. We have pulled together a selection of events below and will add more as they beco
me available.
Some events may come with a charge or require booking. Check their websites to confirm. Do not forget that some activities are subject to change. Note that whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the event information is accurate, details are subject to change so double check details before travelling or making plans.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons - thousands of beacons will be lit by communities, charities and different groups throughout the UK:
The Queen’s Green Canopy – individuals, community groups, villages, cities, schools and businesses are invited to plant trees to mark the Jubilee year:
The Big Jubilee Lunch – this year’s annual celebration for neighbours and community takes place during the Jubilee celebration and many events will be Jubilee themed.
The official Queen’s Platinum Jubilee website can be found at www.platinumjubilee.gov.uk
Trooping The Colour/The Queen's Birthday Parade - on 2nd June, a parade will take place with more than 1200 officers and soldiers which will be televised
Platinum Party at the Palace - on 4th June, the BBC will be hosting live coverage of the Platinum Party at the Palace with a night of musical tributes
Platinum Jubilee events in Dorset
Full details of Jubilee Library Events in the BCP area
Until 12th June
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Trail
Various locations - West Parley and Weymouth
Free augmented reality story trail in and around town centres. Use your smartphone to discover characters along the route and take selfies and videos with them.
Until 27th May
Submit artwork to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Gillingham Library, Chantry Fields, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4UA.
Gillingham Library are calling for local children to submit artwork depicting events during the Queen’s reign for display in the library. Prize available.
27th May
Make a Crown Craft Activity at Corfe Mullen Children’s Centre and Library
Corfe Mullen Children’s Centre and Library, 54 Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2LE.
Drop-in craft activity with crown decorating, Jubilee inspired colouring and a picture hunt. Free and no need to book.
28th May to 5th June
May Half Term at The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Wareham, BH20 6JG.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee activities and much more going on throughout the week.
28th May to 5th June
Platinum Jubilee Weekend at Poole
Poole
28th May to 5th June - Window Display Competition - explore the shop, restaurant and business windows with their regal displays to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee
2nd to 5th June - enjoy the BIG screen in Falkland Square showing Jubilee events (brings a chair and enjoy the television coverage)
4th June - Live music stage in Falkland Square from 11am til 6pm
5th June - Free face painting for U12s plus street entertainment with stilt walkers and a circus workshop located outside Bonmarche and a Jubilee Street Sinaglong along the High Street
28th May to 5th June
The Dolphin Shopping Centre Poole
Poole BID invites children to send their letters to Her Majesty The Queen at The Dolphin Shopping Centre with one picked at random to win a £30 gift voucher to spend at The Entertainer
30th and 31st May
Drop in and make a crown at West Moors Library
West Moors Library, Station Road, West Moors, Wimborne, Dorset, BH22 0JD.
Drop in sessions for children aged 5 to 11. 2pm to 5pm.
30th May
Creative activities at Bridport Library
Bridport Library, South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NY.
Create a crown, make some bunting and decorate a flag.
30th May
A Royal Arts and Crafts Session at Sherborne Library
Sherborne Library, Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3AA.
Design your own postage stamp and create a crown. Suitable for children aged 3+. Booking essential, see the website.
31st May
Jubilee Day at Blandford Library
Blandford Library, The Tabernacle, Blandford Forum, DT11 7DW.
Jubilee themed activities and crafts, and a selfie with Her Majesty
31st May
Jubilee Family Fun at Ferndown Library
Penny’s Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH.
Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with storis, craft and colouring. Booking essential, contact the library.
31st May
Bunting and Glorious Crowns at Gillingham Library
Gillingham Library, Chantry Fields, Gillingham, DP8 4UA.
Make bunting to decorate the library. Limited places, booking essential via the library, 10:30 TO 11:30.
31st May
Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Portland Library
Portland Library, The Straits, Easton, Portland, DT5 1HG.
Children’s crown crafts, design a cupcake competition and more. 2:30 to 4:30pm
31st May
Little Explorer’s Corgis and Crowns at Museum of East Dorset
High Street, Wimborne, BH21 1HR.
Morning of jubilee themed arts, crafts, activities and a garden trail. No need to book, pay on the day – museum admission not included.
1st June
Joyous Jubilee at Upton Library
Upton Library, Corner House, Upton Cross, Poole, Dorset, BH16 5PW
Make crowns, decorate bookmarks, make bunting and do some Jubilee themed colour. Free dropin event suitable for all ages – 2pm to 6:30pm
1st June
Make Party Bunting and Flags at Red House Museum and Gardens
Red House Museum and Gardens, Quay Road, Christchurch, BH23 1BU.
Family workshop to create your own bunting flags. See website for details.
Dates TBC
Jubilee Celebrations in Bournemouth Gardens
Bournemouth Gardens.
Large screens in the gardens showing television broadcasts from the BBC and Royal-related films.
2nd and 3rd June
Celebrate the Jubilee at Farmer Palmer’s
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, BH16 6EU. www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
The farm park will be getting a Royal Makeover, scones and cream teas alongside their normal activities. Pre-booking online is essential.
2nd June
Beacon Lighting and Fireworks in Bournemouth
Beacon lighting taking place at 9:45 pm on the East Overcliff near to the John Egging memorial followed by fireworks in the bay
2nd June
Beacon Lighting and Celebrations in Christchurch
Celebrations commencing at 5pm with an entertainment programme and food and drink stalls before the beacon is lit at Mudeford Quay at 9:45pm.
2nd June
Beacon Lighting and Fireworks in Poole
Beacon lighting at Sandbanks at 9:45pm followed by fireworks in the bay. Park and Riade Service will be available.
2nd to 5th June
Jubilee Celebrations in Dorchester
2nd June – Jubilee Beacon Lighting Ceremony and Jubilee Family Fun Day. 4th June – Jubilee Party at the Palace Concert. 5th June – Queen’s Jubilee Celebration Picnic.
2nd to 5th June
Queens Platinum Jubilee at Moors Valley Railway
Moors Valley Railway, Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET.
Event in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. More details to follow online
2nd to 5th June
Weymouth.
Various events planned over the weekend. Visit the website for updates.
2nd June
Jubilee Picnic in the Walled Garden, Upton
Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, BH17 7BJ.
Music, bring your own picnic or buy one
2nd June
Howard’s Lane Car Park.
Children’s entertainment, competitions, games, fancy dress, music, beacon lighting.
2nd June
Jubilee Party at Symondsbury Estate
Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG.
Traditional street party, live music, village fete games, competitions, children’s entertainment and workshops. Free entry.
2nd June
Family event at Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex
Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex, Stoney Lane South, Christchurch, BH23 1HW.
Free entry. Bouncy castle, trampolining, soft play, inflatable assault course, Meet Peppa Pig and more
2nd and 5th June
Jubilee Celebrations in Ringwood.
2nd June – Lighting of the beacon.
5th June – Party in the Park at Carvers Recreations Ground with live music, family entertainment and food and drink
2nd to 5th June
Jubilee joy at Adventure Wonderland
Adventure Wonderland, Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, BH23 6BA.
Celebrations include a Jubilee special ‘Dance with the Stars’ show plus games and competitions with Adventure Wonderland’s resident superstars. Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and Mr Rabbit will be hosting a very special Jubilee Tea Party in the Theme Park where you can bring your own picnic or pick up treats from the café. There will also be a Jubilee Treasure Hunt for a chance to WIN a return visit for all the family.
2nd to 5th
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend in Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis.
2nd June – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Torchlight Procession. 5th June – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Picnic in the Gardens and Fireworks.
4th and 5th June
Jubilee “Proms In The Park” at Merley House
Merley House, Merley House Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AA.
Evening of live music to celebrate the Jubilee. 6:30 to 10pm.
4th June
Family Platinum Jubilee events in Christchurch
Christchurch BID is hosting a free Children's Jubilee Tea Party and Cupcake Competition for children under 13.
4th June
Bradpole Jubilee Community Event
Bradpole.
Free event, refreshments available, children’s activities, music, bring your own picnic.
4th June
Jubilee Celebrations at Southbourne Green
See the Bournemouth Carnival Band procession, live music, stalls, face painting, retro scarves, accessories and hairstyles and more
25th June
Poole Britannia! Lighthouse Jubilee Celebration Day
Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG.
Come together to create and celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with The Power House at Lighthouse, Poole. Interactive activities for the family and Exhibition of legacy art pieces created by local artists with six schools.