Midlands Jubilee set to be a gem

Spectacular celebrations featuring parties, bonfires, concerts and displays were today unveiled to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in the Midlands.

A highlight will be a giant event at Wolverhampton's West Park featuring a bonfire, fireworks and live music.

Councils said today they are also being approached for street party licences, with authorities waiving road closure fees.

It is believed the celebrations will outstrip the number staged for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding last April.

On June 4, the Queen will light the first of 2,012 beacons nationwide to mark her 60th year on the throne. Beacons will then be illuminated at Dudley Castle, Rowley Hills, Sedgley Beacon and Wolverhampton's West Park in front of thousands of people.

West Park will host its party on June 4, including a bonfire, fireworks, Queen tribute band She Will Rock You, and a funfair, while a similar event will take place on Rowley Hills.

Museums across Sandwell and Walsall will be holding exhibitions featuring souvenirs and historic artefacts from the coronation and a special service, featuring 60 residents who were born when the Queen acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, will take place at Lichfield Cathedral.

The Local Government Association said there was already a buzz surrounding the occasion.

Tourism boss, Councillor Chris White, said: "Councils are already receiving hundreds of inquiries from residents wanting to hold street parties. It really seems as if Britain's street party tradition has been well and truly resurrected."

By Elizabeth Joyce