Celebrations have begun across the North East as people mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Elizabeth II is the first British Monarch to remain on the throne for 70 years. To celebrate her reign, UK residents are having a four-day bank holiday weekend.
Thousands of spectators gathered in London on Thursday as celebrations kicked off with the Trooping of the Colour. Members of the Royal Family watched the Queen's Birthday Parade, which was made up of more than 1,400 soldiers and 250 horses, from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Read more: Think you know the Royals? Test your knowledge with our Jubilee themed 50-question quiz
At 9.45pm on Thursday evening, more than 2,000 beacons will be lit across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories and one in each of the capital cities of Commonwealth countries in recognition of the Queen's service.
Families, friends and neighbours across the North East have been celebrating by decorating their houses with British bunting and planning Jubilee parties.
Residents at Croft House care home in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, marked the occasion by reminiscing about the coronation, planting a tree and enjoying afternoon tea in the garden. Ann Williams, 84, said: "I remember going to one of our neighbour’s houses to watch the coronation on the TV. We just crowded round to whoever on the street had a telly, it was a joyous occasion!"
In Newcastle city centre, families gathered for picnics in the grounds of St Thomas' Church as they waited for beacons to be lit at the Civic Centre. Those who attended were waving red, blue and white British flags.
They were treated to entertainment hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle presenter and comic Alfie Joey. There were performances from the Shoeshop Quartet, musician Chris Cowan, the Northern Monkey Brass Band, street theatre show Spark, a piper and a bugler.
In the Benwell area of the city, a Jubilee event was held ahead of a beacon in Hodgkin Park being lit by Carole Rowland, welfare manager of West End Food Bank. There was music, carnival performances and hand-printing workshops as well street food from the Dialogue Society and games such as LED badminton, dodgeball, football cricket and tag.
Dozens of people from the North East have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. These include two men long-serving Northumbria Police volunteers. Special Constables Michael Scott, 61, and Jon Gray, 64, have been handed Order of the British Empire (BEM) medals in recognition of their service to policing.
Members of the Royal Family are expected to attend a number of high profile events over the next three days.
On Friday, St Paul's Cathedral will celebrate the Platinum Jubilee year with a Service of Thanksgiving. Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that Prince Andrew will not be attending the private service as he has tested positive for covid-19.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "After undertaking a routine test The Duke has tested positive for Covid and with regret will no longer be attending tomorrow's service."
The Queen, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, will attend The Cazoo Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom on Saturday. The public event will be hosted by The Jockey Club.
The Royal Family and the BBC will bring an end to the four day celebrations on Sunday with the 'BBC's Platinum Party at the Palace'.
The concert, which will take place at Buckingham Palace, will be shown live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Radio 2. Performers include Queen & Adam Lambert, Craig David, George Ezra and Diversity.
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