London:

Some 22,000 people and millions more at home were expected on Saturday in a musical celebration for Queen Elizabeth II’s historic platinum jubilee.

The “Platinum Party at the Palace” is the culmination of the third day of public events to mark the 96-year-old monarch’s record 70 years on the throne.

Motown legend Diana Ross is a star attraction at the event, which will take place on a purpose-built 360-degree stage outside the Head of State’s residence in central London, Buckingham Palace.

The concert also features artists such as Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli and James Bond composer Hans Zimmer, in a marked change in tone from the first two days of the Jubilee.

The celebrations began on Thursday with the pomp and pageantry of the Trooping the Color military parade to mark the sovereign’s official birthday.

On Friday, the focus was on a traditional Church of England thanksgiving service led by members of the royal family – and the return of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan – to the hallowed setting of the Saint Paul’s cathedral.

Saturday’s concert, which will be broadcast live by the BBC on radio, TV and online from 19:00 GMT, is no less grand.

But as an outdoor event, all eyes will be on the skies and the fickle UK weather to see if the predicted showers hold.

– At home –

The Queen – the longest-reigning monarch in British history – is not expected to attend the two-and-a-half-hour concert, but will watch on TV at Windsor Castle.

She made two public appearances to huge crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on Thursday, then traveled to Windsor for a headlights-lighting ceremony.

The strain, after months of difficulty walking and standing, left her in “some discomfort”, Buckingham Palace said.

This led to her pulling out of Friday’s church service and also an expected appearance at Epsom Racecourse for flat racing showcase The Derby.

Her no-show at the Derby on Saturday is only the fourth time the racing enthusiast, rider and breeder has missed the race since 1952.

She did not attend in 2020 as spectators were banned due to Covid.

Her heir Prince Charles, 73, and eldest son Prince William, 39, will be at the concert instead.

– Inspired –

Thursday and Friday were declared public holidays to mark the unprecedented milestone, which drew attention to the future of the monarchy without it.

Longer pub opening hours, street parties and other events celebrating the Queen’s central place in the lives of most living Britons have temporarily lifted the gloom of a cost of living crisis that skyrockets.

On Sunday, more than 10 million people will share food at “Big Jubilee Lunch” picnics and a musical and creative public spectacle involving 10,000 people.

Ed Sheeran will close the celebrations on Sunday by performing his 2017 hit “Perfect” at the end of the contest.

The ‘Shape of You’ singer-songwriter, 31, said the “party at the palace” to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 inspired his music career.

On TV, he saw Eric Clapton perform “Layla” and decided “that’s what I want to do,” he wrote on Instagram.

Sheeran then performed at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert 10 years ago. “Life is weird how charmingly it comes full circle,” he added.

– ‘Nervous’ –

Ross’ performance is her first in the UK in 15 years and comes before she heads to the Glastonbury Festival later this month.

The 78-year-old diva said she was “absolutely delighted to receive an invitation to perform on such an important occasion”.

Charles previously revealed that his 1980 disco hit “Upside Down” was one of his favorite tracks.

Other performers on Saturday include Alicia Keys, Craig David and Rod Stewart, Queen + Adam Lambert, George Ezra and Eurovision 2022 finalist Sam Ryder.

Elton John recorded a tribute.

Queen guitarist Brian May provided one of the most enduring images of the 2002 Jubilee, playing “God Save the Queen” from the roof of Buckingham Palace.

Stewart, who received a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honors in 2016 for services to music and charity, said the concert was “nerving”.

“I grew up with this woman. I was seven when she came to the throne,” the 77-year-old singer told the BBC on Friday.

“She’s always been a part of my life.”

(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)