The country is set to become a sea of patriotic red, white and blue this June in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and final preparations for the big occasion are being made in the North East - which always knows how to party.
The focus of celebrations to mark Her Majesty's record-breaking 70 years on the throne will be, of course, that four-day Bank Holiday, from June 2-5, which we're all looking forward. And, besides the late opening that's being allowed for bars and pubs, there will be street parties, flaming beacons, Big Lunch events - part of a national initiative - and music shows. Landmarks such as the Tyne Bridge and Durham Cathedral will be lit up in red, white and blue.
The Queen is the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee so there are to be some standout national events to celebrate the milestone. Here is a guide to what's on offer as well as a taster of what will be happening across the North East, for local communities keen to have an idea of the range of events available on their doorstep.
