Bunting And Beer: 9,500 Street Parties Planned

Towns and villages across Britain are gearing up for a busy weekend with millions expected to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

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

The picturesque village of Marple Bridge in Stockport, Greater Manchester, 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.

Local resident Graham Pinch was out fixing bunting to lamp posts first thing.

"The bunting is going up, let's hope the weather is good ," he told Sky News.

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."