Buckingham Palace has opened its gates to suppliers to the Queen for a four-day festival to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation that kicks off on Thursday.The Queen arrived on Thursday afternoon accompanied by her son Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall.She was dressed for the sunny weather in a white dress with blue rose-printed pattern to attend a preview of the event, which will host up to 60,000 people in the glorious setting of the palace's gardens.
Come the evening, the gardens inside the palace walls will host a Coronation Gala to mark the 60th anniversary of the royal coronation, starring the likes of Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins, English tenor Russell Watson, songstress Katie Melua and pop rock band The Feeling.The National Youth Orchestra and the English National Ballet will also perform at the evening gala.Tickets, costing up to £90, will give members of the public the chance to enjoy the unique opportunity of meeting more than 200 firms which have supplied the royal family in the last five years.
Businesses with Royal Warrants of Appointment – a mark of recognition for those who have supplied goods or services for at least five years to the households of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh or the Prince of Wales – will show off well-known British goods over the course of four days.
Luxury car brands are involved in the summer festival, which, Buckingham Palace says, is "promoting the very best of UK plc, the festival will celebrate innovation, excellence and industry through trade and craft. "The Queen's Bentley State Limousine is to be on display as well as a collection of Jaguar and Land Rover cars to show off British motoring heritage.
The bed manufacturer which once supplied mattresses to Winston Churchill and the firm which made hunting whips for King George III are also taking part.Guests can treat themselves to a taste of renowned British brands such as Bendicks, Walkers Shortbread, summer favourite, Pimms as well as Prestat Finest Chocolate and Truffles – adored by late author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl.