We will be getting an extra Bank Holiday in 2022

An extra Bank Holiday will take place in the UK in June 2022, with a blockbuster weekend of celebrations to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

After 70 years on the throne, the longest period of time of any British monarch ever, it has been deemed cause for a special celebration.

The announcement of the additional holiday was made today by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to commemorate the Queen's lengthy reign.

Mr Dowden said the May Bank Holiday will be moved to Thursday June 2 with an additional Bank Holiday on Friday June 3 meaning there will be four days to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

It will be the first time any British monarch has reached this historic milestone, he explained.

The Queen will have reigned for 70 years in June 2022 (Getty Images)

This historic event will reflect on Her Majesty’s reign, and her impact on the UK and the world since 1952.

An extensive programme of events that mix the best of British ceremonial splendour and pageantry with cutting edge artistic and technological displays.

These will be interspersed with the traditional nationwide fanfare and celebrations.

Spectacular moments in London and other major cities will be complemented by events in communities across the UK and the Commonwealth, allowing people to join together in celebration and thanks at a national and local level.

Plans are being developed with event organisers, creatives and digital design companies.

A Platinum Jubilee medal will be awarded to people who work in public service, including members of the Armed Forces, emergency services and prison services.

It is a tradition dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria when an official medal was designed to mark her 50th anniversary on the throne.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee will be a truly historic moment - and one that deserves a celebration to remember.

“We can all look forward to a special, four-day Jubilee weekend, when we will put on a spectacular, once-in-a-generation show that mixes the best of British ceremonial splendour with cutting edge art and technology.

"It will bring the entire nation and the Commonwealth together in a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s reign.”

The commemorations are being arranged jointly with The Royal Household and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.