Though it may be surprising to some, not everyone is excitedly heading to a street party or stringing up the bunting this weekend.
All over the north and north-east, celebrations have well and truly begun in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Hay bales have been adorned and there’s already a hint of sausage rolls in the air, but many just want to enjoy the good weather forecast without the requirement to don a paper crown.
If this is you, look no further.
Here are 10 things you can do this weekend without so much as a whiff of a scone.
Yoga at Loch Morlich
Where better to start your Saturday morning than on the golden sands of Loch Morlich surrounded by mountains and, hopefully, clear blue skies.
Izzy DuBois Yoga’s hour-long class starts at 8.30am and can be booked here.
At that time of morning you should be able to enjoy some calm before the inevitable long-weekend-at-Loch-Morlich storm.
Taste of Grampian
Taste of Grampian is the north-east’s biggest one-day food and drink festival.
It’s being held at P&J Live for the first time this year and boasts 150 vendors, celebrity chefs, food demonstrations.
The event will also be supporting Cfine, so everyone going along is encouraged to bring at least one tin of food that can be donated to help fight food poverty in the area, in line with our Big Food Appeal.
You can buy tickets for the event here.
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside
While you can use our interactive jubilee map to find out where to find the celebrations near you, you can also use it to find out which areas to avoid if they aren’t your thing.
Most events are taking place inland, so beaches are unlikely to be a hotspot for royal revellers.
The beaches at Balmedie, Nairn, Dornoch and Rosemarkie are perfect for enjoying warmer weather.
Highland Beer, Gin and Whisky Festival
The first ever Highland Beer, Gin and Whisky Festival is taking place in Canal Park in Inverness this weekend.
There’s a packed schedule from Friday to Sunday including drink tastings, BBQs and a ceilidh.
Find out more about the event and book tickets here.
Head to the theatre
After you’ve soaked up the sun during the day, theatres across the north and north-east have a wide variety of performances of offer this weekend.
Book of Mormon is showing at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen and Eden Court in Inverness is showing 2065 and Legends of American Country.
Though there is no guarantee you won’t spot the odd Union Jack, you will avoid direct celebrations.
Loch Ness Classic Car Show
Loch Ness Classic Car Show is back on the road after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Inverness Loch Ness it is bound to be a hit with petrol heads with vehicles from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.
Find out how to get involved here.
Do your bit for the environment
The team at Greyhope Bay is organising a beach clean on Sunday between 1pm and 3pm.
They’ll provide all the equipment, all you need to do is go along and wear your suncream.
New East Beach Bridge in Lossiemouth
The new East Beach Bridge opened in Lossiemouth earlier this week, so why not take your first steps across it this weekend.
Though it will likely be busy as locals haven’t had access to the beach for nearly three years, it is a long stretch of sand to spread along and festivities should be concentrated at the town’s Station Park and football club.
Show ‘n’ Shine
Show ‘n’ Shine is organised by Elgin Rotary Club and will be held in Cooper Park on Sunday June 5.
It showcases all things vehicle from classic cars to modern motorbikes.
This event is part of Rotafest Platinum Park Party so we can’t promise the decor will be up your street, but most of the other events take place on the Saturday.
Find out more here.
Shop local
There are a number of local markets happening in the Highlands and Grampian this weekend.
You can meet local makers at Peterhead Producers, Inverness Farmers Market and Huntly Farmers Market and pick up treats along the way.
There may be some jubilee themed makes and bakes, you won’t feel as obliged to take them – as you might if your neighbour was waving them in front of you at a street party.
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