Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee.

Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, this year 2012. Queen Victoria, Elizabeth's great, great grandmother, shares our current Queen's longevity on the throne of Great Britain. She however did not still have the man of her choice, that is her husband, by her side. The Queen and Prince Philip look set to move on into great old age with each other there for support. That is of course barring the unpredictable.

On Monday February 6, 2012 it was 60 years since the Queen ascended to the throne. The anniversary was of course tinged with sadness, as it was also the anniversary of her father's death.

Republican or royalist does not really matter in assessing the Queen. She has done a good job and looks set to continue doing so in spite of her advancing years. There have been highs and lows but 2012 is about remembering all that has been good. A time for the UK to blow its own trumpet a little and offer those in other countries a glorious spectacle. This is one area that the UK usual excels in. Pomp and ceremony.

There are many events taking place this year with the highlight being the long weekend at the beginning of June 2012. The UK May Bank Holiday, the one at the end of May, has been moved to early June 4 so that the British people can have an extra day's leave from work. 

Details of the Diamond Jubilee are still being released, a good publicity ploy, and today it was the musical program that was revealed.

Perhaps although he is an American veteran performer Neil Diamond should be asked to take part. That would make for a great program. As it is the list of performers has been designed to include a mixture from over the years. When the Queen came to the throne it was before the Beatles and when Elvis was just beginning his musical career.

The choice of performers means that there are some veteran performers who are a bit long in the tooth to say the least.

Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Tom Jones are amongst the veteran musicians. 60% of the final list of performers has been finalised and others include Annie Lennox, Jessie J, Madness and, JLS.

Tickets are not being allocated on a first come first served basis but rather by a selection process. It is claimed that this is being done to make sure that a wide variety of British people are given the chance to attend. It will also of course allow the authorities to try and avert any problems.

The ballot opened today and will run until March 2, 2012. It is only open to British citizens. The event will of course be televised. Like it or lump it the Diamond Jubilee will be hard to avoid this year, in the UK.

It looks as if artists such as Kylie Minogue may join in plus some American artists. Yes, Neil Diamond please. Apparently there is currently a re-think underway as far as MIA goes after the last weekend's Superbowl gesture.

Gary Barlow of Take That is one of the organisers of the event and is thrilled, honoured and excited to be doing this role, it seems. He has expressed how much he "loves" the Queen. I can see arise Sir Gary on the horizon. One way or another it will be an extravaganza to be remembered.