SV2G steelpan music captivates thousands at Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations

Award winning SV2G Wycombe Steel Orchestra had Buckingham Palace guests partying in the Palace gardens as part of HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations on Monday, June 4.{{more}}

12,000 people attended a picnic in the Queen’s back garden, ahead of the Diamond Jubilee concert. Despite the drizzle of rain towards the end, revellers partied to “Hot, Hot, Hot” played by the young people from High Wycombe. Members of the Royal family surprised guests mingling in the Buckingham Palace garden and guests, including the Middleton family, were all captivated by the steelpan music. The Queen’s granddaughters – Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie joined in to the infectious steelpan music, dancing and playing the maracas and tambourine alongside the youngsters.

Earlier in the afternoon, before the guests arrived, SV2G sat with members of the Royal Household and were treated to the stunning picnic hamper prepared by Chef Heston Blumenthal and Palace Chef Mark Flanagan. They had a very elegant 5-course menu that the Queen tasted and approved every dish. The young people from High Wycombe tucked into the delicious dishes, such as tea-smoked Scottish salmon, a modern version of coronation Chicken and Sandringham strawberry crumble crunch, presented in a basket hamper. Desserts were made by Fiona Cairns, who also created the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding cake. The delicious cupcakes, lemon and caraway Madeira cake and a chocolate cake decorated with a chocolate crown were quite a treat!

Wycombe Steel Orchestra featured on the One Show, Gary Barlow live interview at Buckingham Palace and various other TV programmes and Radio news.

Jacqueline Roberts commented “The Palace Staff were so good to us; we had an enjoyable day. This was a once in lifetime historical event that we participated in; we came back with so many memories. My favourite is with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and the members of the royal household joining in to Wycombe Steel Orchestra. I am so proud of our young people; they performed so professionally to thousands of people.”