Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Aaron Morris

Shoppers delight as Durham's Umbrella Street sees Union Flag makeover for Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Umbrella Street in Prince Bishop's Place, Durham, has had a magnificent makeover for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this weekend.

For the bank holiday weekend's proceedings, the usually multi-coloured location has been replaced with a sea of red, white and blue in traditional UK colours, as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne. Purple and white umbrellas were also placed, sporting Durham's historic colours.

And shoppers across Durham were amazed by the litany of floating umbrellas flying the Union Flag situated in the usually-busy city centre hotspot.

Read more: The Queen's Platinum Jubilee events and celebrations taking place in County Durham

Speaking to Chronicle Live about the new attraction, Student Natalie Kan, said: "I think it's really cool. I think they had something similar for regular Durham, but obviously they changed the colours and everything. It's really cool with all of the flags as well."

Her friend and fellow student, Karen Wong, added: "It's pretty colourful and it's really cool. It's my first time seeing this."

Students Karen Wong and Natalie Kan (Newcastle Chronicle)

Many others took to social media to share their thoughts and feelings on the new installation, with positive messages all round.

David Baker, posted: "Umbrellas looking amazing in Prince Bishop today," with Graeme Hall, writing: "To say this caught my eye is the understatement of the year so far."

Jubilee umbrellas at Prince Bishops Place in Durham (Newcastle Chronicle)

John Smart, said: "Looks Fantastic. Great to see in Beautiful Durham City," while Catherine Hope, added: "Fabulous display."

Susan Gibbens, wrote: "Love it, well done to all involved," while Carole Elston, commented: "Now that's better. Much better!"

The umbrellas at the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham that have seen a makeover for the Platinum Jubilee at the weekend (Newcastle Chronicle)

The attraction has been a big hit with visitors of the Durham City Centre since launching initially in 2019, even being used to successfully raise funds for charities in the past.

Just last year, £3,000 was raised for the Team Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust. Visitors were encouraged to purchase a personalised wooden tag from local shop Elvet and Bailey for a £5 minimum donation, with the purchased tags then becoming attached to the floating attraction itself.

Will you be going along to look at the beautiful display?

Read next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.