Britons Stage Thousands Of Jubilee Parties

Towns and villages across Britain have been having a busy weekend as millions celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Almost 9,500 road closure applications were granted for street parties across England and Wales - nearly double the amount for last year's royal wedding.

Many were held on Saturday and more are expected on Sunday, despite some gloomy weather in parts.

Sky's Midlands correspondent David Crabtree was at a street party in Headington Avenue, Coventry, on Saturday:

It suffered a slow start as bad weather kept people away.

Organisers had to bring in extra gazebos and huddled underneath waiting for the rain to cease. But when the weather improved people came out to celebrate.

Martin Green, the main organiser, said: "We were determined to have a good time. It is so great to see local people getting together.

"With our busy lives it's often difficult to have time to chat.

"But I think this kind of event will make a big difference to this community and community spirit."

A huge Diamond Jubilee cake was baked for everyone to enjoy. A number of games were planned for the children.

Sky's North of England correspondent Becky Johnson from Cliviger, near Burnley in Lancashire:

Families gathered at a fete in the village. The stall selling tea and coffee was among the most popular as people gathered in a marquee to shelter from the wind.

Serving the tea was Ruth Pickles who has been a fan of Queen Elizabeth since watching the coronation 60 years ago.

She told Sky News: "It was a wonderful day. People gathered in friends' homes to celebrate the coronation. It was the first time many people had had a television and we had to share it because not many people could afford one.

"It was truly a wonderful day although the weather outside was chilly."

She said the jubilee is a time to celebrate all the Queen has done for the country: "I think she's absolutely wonderful. She's done a magnificent job over the 60 years."

The local children enjoyed having their faces painted and taking part in games on the village green.

Vanessa, 12, told Sky News she was "celebrating the Queen's hard work for the past 60 years".

William, nine, added that the Diamond Jubilee was "a celebration and something that the whole community can join in".

Sky's North of England correspondent Nick Martin reports from Marple Bridge in Stockport, Greater Manchester:

The picturesque village has sold all of its 1,300 tickets making it one of the biggest privately-held street parties in Britain, organisers have claimed.

Marple Bridge Association member, Barbara Hayward, said the village was building on the success of last year's royal wedding celebrations.

"Last year we held a wonderful street party to celebrate the wedding of Kate and William and this year we thought we'd do the same," she said.

"It's going to be huge."

Bunting has been draped the full length of the street and patriotic displays filled shops windows.

Britain's love of bunting and beer is contributing to the record amount of parties this year.

Marple Bridge hairdresser Jane Campbell said the Jubilee had united the whole village.

"It's great to see everyone come together for this kind of thing," she said.

"We're made on the royals around here and it'll be a great weekend."

But the Jubilee is not for everyone. As well as thousands of street parties, there are expected to be as many Jubilee "free zones" where those less enthusiastic can go.

Dorrie Young, from Marple Bridge, said: "It's not really my thing, but I'm glad everyone's going to have a good time."