Artists gather for Jubilee celebration Artists of all kinds have come together at the Royal Academy for a party with the Queen to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and to mark the contribution of the creative arts in Britain in the last 60 years. James Naughtie attended the event at which the Queen presented awards for contributions to our culture in theatre, film, music, dance, writing and the visual arts. Dame Judi Dench talked about her passion for bringing drama and poetry to everyone, saying that reading Shakespeare, which she tries to do every day, brings her to tears. Choir master Gareth Malone told James Naughtie that he was "flabbergasted" and "shocked" at hearing he was being presented a Diamond Award by the Queen at the event. And composer Andrew Lloyd Webber announced that the Queen is "delighted" with the Jubilee song he has composed, together with Gary Barlow.