All you need to know about Diamond Jubilee concert
They’ll have enjoyed a Diamond Jubilee picnic in the gardens of the Palace earlier in the day.
The concert starts at 7.30pm with millions set to watch on BBC1 and big screens across the country, including in Hyde Park.
The famous Queen Victoria Memorial has been undergoing a transformation, with a £200,000 360-degree wrap-around stage erected on the famous landmark.
Pop veterans Madness – led by frontman Suggs – will perform their 1982 hit Our House on top of Buckingham Palace during the gig.
The concert, which will also be broadcast live on Radio 2, will include Robbie Williams performing Mack The Knife, Dame Shirley Bassey singing Diamonds Are Forever and Sir Cliff Richard doing a medley of hits.
Other acts include concert organiser Barlow performing Need You Now with Cheryl Cole, and Sir Elton John singing Your Song, I’m Still Standing and Crocodile Rock.
Kylie Minogue, one of the big names who’ll singing, said: “To share the stage in front of Buckingham Palace with music legends including Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is very exciting.”
Soul legend Wonder added: “It’s an honour to celebrate the Queen – the time is overdue that I meet her.”
The show, whose hosts include Lenny Henry, Miranda Hart, Rob Brydon and Lee Mack, is expected to cost around £4million.
Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC1, said of the gig: “This will be a very special concert. Expect some last-minute surprises.”
The official album, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios by Barlow and the Commonwealth Band, was presented to the Queen to commemorate the celebration of her 60 years on the throne.
Ten years ago Queen guitarist Brian May famously played the National Anthem on the roof of the Palace during the concert marking the Golden Jubilee.
But Barlow, who has flown in some musicians from Africa for the show, told today how he negotiated with the Queen to use parts of the Palace for performances.
He said: “The balcony where Will and Kate kissed will be part of the concert.
“In fact, all the balconies will be used. We have amazing projections that are going on the front once it gets dark.
“At the end, the royals will be on stage to finish things off, though they won’t be singing.”
When it ends at 10pm, more than 4,000 beacons will be lit across Britain and around the world.
The Queen will light the last one – the National Beacon – which will then kick off a spectacular fireworks display at Buckingham Palace.
Forecasters warn that the rain will continue although the showers are expected to be lighter.
The final day of the Diamond Jubilee weekend will be marked by a national service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
A million-strong crowd is expected on Tuesday to watch the Queen’s carriage procession, balcony appearance and a Red Arrows fly-past.
Today’s Diamond Jubilee events timetable
3pm: 10,000 people attend special picnic at Buckingham Palace
7.30pm: Concert at Buckingham Palace
10pm: Concert ends and the lighting of 4,000 beacons begins
10.30pm: The Queen lights the national beacon on The Mall
Who’s singing what?
Madness – Our House (from roof of the Palace)
Robbie Williams – Mack the Knife, Let Me Entertain You
Gary Barlow and Cheryl Cole – Need You Now
Ed Sheeran – A Team
Alfie Boe & Renee Fleming (from Palace balcony) – Somewhere
Gareth Malone and Military Wives – National anthem
Shirley Bassey – Diamonds Are Forever
Tom Jones – Delilah and Mama Told Me Not To Come
Cliff Richard – Medley of songs
Grace Jones – Slave To The Rhythm
Jessie J – Domino
Annie Lennox – There Must Be An Angel
JLS – Everybody In Love and She Makes Me Wanna
Alfie Boe – O Solo Mio
Jools Holland & Ruby Turner – You Are So Beautiful
Renee Fleming – Un Bel Di Vedremo
Lang Lang – Hungarian Rhapsody
Gary Barlow and the Commonwealth band featuring The Military Wives – Sing
Kylie Minogue – Medley of songs
Stevie Wonder – Three songs TBC
Elton John – Your Song, I’m Still Standing and Crocodile Rock
Paul McCartney – Live And Let Die and two other Beatles songs TBC
