Eagle-eyed Londoners might have noticed The London Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsing on a barge as it slowly made its way down the Thames in February. The orchestra is set play a crucial role in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, taking place on Sunday June 3. The trial run was completed with the help of the LPO’s Foyle Future Firsts - young professionals and students from Trinity Laban - and stand-in conductor Ben Gernon.

The Pageant will be a spectacular event, down in no small part to the 1000-boat flotilla tribute to The Queen’s 60-year reign. At over seven miles long, the flotilla will take in 25 miles of Thames riverbank, from Putney to Tower Bridge, and include 20,000 participants on the water.

Music herald barges will separate each of the 10 sections of flotilla, featuring contemporary and classical music and including a number of specially commissioned premieres. There will be a new song with lyrics by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and a new work inspired by Handel’s Water Music, created by ten British film composers. Ensembles appearing include the Royal Jubilee Bells, Academy of Ancient Music and the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.

The final music herald barge will feature the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by David Parry, performing Last Night of the Proms-style British repertoire, including music by Thomas Arne, Sir Malcolm Arnold, Benjamin Britten, Eric Coates, Sir Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst and Sir William Walton.

A CD of the music performed at the Pageant will be available on the LPO label in John Lewis and Waitrose stores from May 4 to June 6 with ten per cent of the sale price donated to the Thames Diamond Jubilee Foundation charity. After June 6, the CD will be available in retail outlets UK-wide and via the LPO website.