The Humber Estuary will provide the stage for a spectacular celebration and re-enactment to mark this year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
A flotilla of 70 vessels which will set sail from Hull Marina on Thursday 2 June – the official date of the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s coronation.
The craft will range from small – including the inshore lifeboat operated by Humber Rescue – to large, with plans to bring in pleasure boats, harbour tugs and even a trawler.
In addition to celebrating the jubilee, the event will re-enact the Humber flotilla of 60 boats in 2012, when Hessle Town Council celebrated The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the occasion in 1897 when watermen gathered their boats on the Humber in celebration of Queen Victoria’s 60-year reign.
Hessle Town Council is leading the project, supported by Hull City Council.
Hessle Town Council, who is leading the project, has secured support for the flotilla from East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council as well as from Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) and The Corporation of Hull Trinity House.
Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Hull is a proud maritime city, so this is the perfect way to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
“The sight of dozens of vessels leaving Hull Marina is a fantastic nod to our rich maritime past, as well as a fitting tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.
“Hull’s maritime heritage is a vital part of our future, which is why we are currently refurbishing and regenerating the city’s key maritime sites through the Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project.
“I, like I’m sure many of our residents, am looking forward to what promises to be a memorable day for our region and a fitting tribute to the 70 years of service of Her Majesty The Queen.”
The 70 craft will parade from Minerva Pier next to the marina in Hull, Yorkshire’s Maritime City, to the Humber Bridge at Hessle with spectators gathering on the banks of the estuary to view the historic event which is recognised as an official element of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons 2022.
Phil Withers is a former Hessle Town councillor who organised the 2012 event.
He said: “The flotilla is not just about celebrating the Monarch but also our rich maritime heritage and history as well we the Humber’s place as the UK’s energy estuary with many of the participants involved in the renewable energy sector.”
To mark the Platinum Jubilee, a full programme of activities will take place across the UK and the Commonwealth during a four-day Bank Holiday weekend of festivities beginning on the Thursday.
Hessle Town Council is accepting applications now from vessel owners who wish to join the flotilla and is also urging businesses to play a part and add to the support already committed by organisations including ABP Humber, Aquavista Marinas, Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, Lagoon Hull, Marketing Humber and Team Humber Marine Alliance.