Dame Helen Mirren and legendary comic actor Stephen Fry are to join a Best of British cast to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, it has been revealed.
A spectacular equestrian display showcasing horses from across the globe will also be staged in events across four nights in the grounds of Windsor Castle next May.
A Gallop Through History has been billed as a "personal tribute to our monarchy" and will feature more than 500 horses and over a thousand dancers and musicians taking the audience on a journey from Elizabeth I to the Queen.
The monarch has a life-long love of all things equestrian and is being kept informed by organisers of their plans, and her ponies and horses are expected to feature in the event, with royal fans hoping to see members of the royal family taking part.
Marking the monarch’s record breaking 70 years on the throne, volunteers from across the UK and all corners of the Commonwealth will create a special pageant along the streets of London.
Sir Mike Rake, chairman of the Platinum Jubilee's advisory board, said at the launch event, staged at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace: "After 70 years on the throne and particularly poignantly after the dark and troubling times in the last 18 months, Her Majesty's leadership, steadiness and unwavering devotion during her reign deserve recognition and celebration."
One courtier with knowledge of the plans said: “It is going to absolutely be the best of British on show and there will be something for everyone to enjoy on what will be a series of magnificent occasions during one of the biggest celebratory events for decades.”
An extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June, will begin with Trooping the Colour, which will be staged in full for the first time since the pandemic, followed by a service of thanksgiving for the Queen's reign at St Paul's Cathedral on the Friday.
On Saturday, the Queen will be accompanied by members of her family at The Derby at Epsom Downs with a special concert outside Buckingham Palace in the evening.
The BBC will stage and broadcast the live concert that will bring together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant and joyous moments from The Queen’s seven decade reign.
Members of the public will be invited to apply to attend this special event and details of the ballot for UK residents to secure audience tickets will be released in due course.
Giant dragons the size of London buses, beasts as tall as three storey houses and more than 5,000 military, NHS heroes and performers will also all come together for the celebrations at street parties in the capital on the Sunday.
Marching bands, giant puppets and circus acts will also form part of the spectacle as central London will come to life with colour, street theatre and dance in honour of the Queen’s long reign in what has been described as "something of a reopening ceremony for the United Kingdom".
Sir Mike added: "In 2022 Her Majesty the Queen will have guided the nation through several decades of change, growth and advancement, like none before them - in times of triumph and also in times of trouble.
"In an age of advancement and adversary, the Queen has remained a constant, committed and courageous presence, therefore we have worthwhile and timely celebration."
Nations from across the Commonwealth and other parts of the globe will be involved in the show - from Oman and India to the Caribbean, Canada, France and Norway.
