麻豆社

1 June 2012 Last updated at 15:58

In pictures: Final preparations for the Diamond Jubilee

Homes across the UK turned red, white and blue as they were decked out with union jacks ahead of the many street parties, outdoor concerts and fairs set to take place over the next four days.

Even exotic animals were getting in on the final preparations - this Ostrich, at Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling, eyed a union jack with some interest.

The most famous door in Britain - that of Number 10 Downing Street - does not avoid the traditional bunting that is taking over Britain's streets and buildings.

Even race-goers on the first day of the Epsom Derby got into the spirit of the royal celebrations - this Diamond Jubilee-themed hat was among the most striking headwear on show.

Many royal fans have begun lining the Mall already, among them Terry Hutt. He plans to camp out overnight to make sure he has a front row seat for the events.

More than 2,000 members of the armed forces were up at dawn on Friday for a full dress rehearsal of the royal carriage procession from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace.

Humayra Choudhury won the title of "Queen of the day" for the Jubilee celebration costume she made and wore to her school, Henllys Church in Wales, in Cwmbran.

There certainly will not be a shortage of souvenirs from the event to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. For something a bit different, one west London market was selling antique tins depicting early images of the Queen.

For some, celebrations started early - among the early street parties was one in Brixton, south London, at which some of the people were refugees. Attendees got into the royal spirit by wearing paper crowns showing the union flag and the Kenyan flag.

Pomp and pageantry was in full swing in central London earlier, as a run through of every step and every manoeuvre, on foot and on horseback, took place ahead of the real thing.

To give the occasion a glittering touch, the Royal Mint launched its first coin to contain a kilo of gold. However, priced at 拢60,000 - and with just 60 made - they will not be for everyone.

And Jubilee patriotism even spread as far as Helmand Province in Afghanistan - nearly 3,500 miles (5,600km) from London - where Trooper Lewis McCormick 19, from Oldham (l) and L/Cpl Thomas Constant, 24, from Bournemouth, both of the King's Royal Hussars, enjoyed an impromptu tea party.

麻豆社

UK

In pictures: Final preparations for the Diamond Jubilee

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