Queen's Platinum Jubilee flypast: what time is it and where is the best place to spot it?

Get ready...

(Image credit: Getty)
Grace Warn
By Grace Warn
published

Get ready...

Just when you thought all of the events, street parties and royal appearances had been announced for the upcoming Jubilee weekend, the RAF has unveiled its plans for a show stopping air display on Thursday (June 2). After all, what would a royal celebration be without an RAF flypast?

The flypast has been meticulously timed to add a final flourish to the Queen's Trooping the Colour. And for good reason, HRH's birthday celebrations need to be even more special for her 70th year on the throne.

Sadly, it's been reported that the monarch will not be present to receive the royal salute this year. However she will still be able to enjoy the dedicated display from Buckingham Palace, phew.

So what's in store? Around 70 aircrafts will swoop across England. The fleet - which includes Red Arrows and other famous military aircrafts like Lancaster Bombers and Spitfires - is one of the largest formations to grace the skies. Its journey is thought to be beginning at the North Sea before heading over Central London and dispersing across the South of the country.

What time and where will I be able to see the flypast? 

The planes are taking off from East Anglia at 11:45am on the big day, they will then start heading towards London for just after midday. On the way, the Arrows will head over Norfolk, Ipswich then Essex.

Before flying directly over Buckingham Palace at 1pm (get your binoculars ready), the pilots will form up over North East London. So, if you're celebrating in Shoreditch or Stratford, keep an eye out for the planes at around 12:40pm.

Do you live in Brixton, Crystal Palace or Peckham? Don't worry, you'll get a slice of the action too. After wowing the crowds on The Mall, the fleet will disperse and fly overhead for another half and hour before heading out to Surrey.

If you are a plane fanatic or you simply want to fuel your dad's excitement, its useful to remember that these timings are weather permitting. Although the forecast is looking good (21 degrees and sunny, woop) the display may be a few minutes behind, or in front, of schedule.

Grace Warn
Grace Warn

Grace Warn is the at Commercial Producer & Writer Marie Claire UK. From organising cover shoots and uncovering the latest news to creating social content, she loves the fact that no one day is the same!

Growing up just outside of London, Grace made the leap at 16 and started to intern. Juggling education, earning money, styling, producing and organising numerous fashion cupboards was as intoxicating as it was challenging and it's what's brought her here today.

After graduating in the pandemic, the only option was to take on as many freelance roles as possible. From demystifying health jargon to keeping up with the latest footwear drops, a strange concoction of health and footwear journalism became Grace's bread and butter but she always wanted a break in lifestyle journalism and production. Then she landed her dream role!

When she's not racing to deadlines, Grace can be found on anything that could pass as a dancefloor dancing to Diana Ross or scouting out vintage sales on the outskirts out South London - believe it or not, Beckenham is the place to go!

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