Feb. 28 Deadline for Tickets to Royal Parade

The annual Trooping the Colour ceremony for the British queen’s birthday takes on extra festivity this year as Queen Elizabeth II marks her 50th year on the throne. Although viewing the June 15 parade in London is free to standees, those who want seats for the parade or the rehearsals on the two previous Saturdays have until Feb. 28 to apply for the tickets, which are expected to cost about $21. They will be allocated by lottery.

Applicants must apply in writing to: The Brigade Major (Trooping the Colour), Headquarters Household Division, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX, U.K. No money needs to be sent. The application must include an International Reply Coupon, available from post offices.

The parade is one of the highlights of a yearlong Golden Jubilee celebration in Britain. The main events in the London area are June 1 through 4 and include concerts at the Buckingham Palace gardens, fireworks and special church services. Costs and ticketing processes were not determined as of last week, according to the British Tourist Authority. Call the BTA at (800) 462-2748 or visit www.londontouristboard.com/goldenjubilee.