In Birmingham, up to 20,000 people crowded into Centenary Square and joined pop star Gareth Gates, boy-band 3SL, and Pop Idol finalist Zoe Birkett to sing God Save the Queen.

The event was part of the Blue Peter Jubilee Party which also included performers such as Liberty X and Sophie Ellis Bextor.

Fans young and old came to the open-air party and cheered for their particular pop favourites.

'Really fabulous'

Laura Smith, 16, from Coseley in the West Midlands, said: "It's been brilliant despite the weather. I really liked 3SL."

Maureen De Silva, 53, and her daughter Sharisse, 15, from Wolverhampton, managed to get to the front of the crowd.

"I think it is really fabulous," said Maureen.

"And there is a fantastic atmosphere. I think everyone's worked really hard to make this happen."

Sharisse said: "It's really brilliant. I really liked the band 3SL."

'Traditions'

Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker told BBC News Online: "It's an honour for Blue Peter to be included in such a great event and celebrate Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee with the rest of the country."

Across the city in Graham Road, Yardley, residents enjoyed a traditional party with children's games, tea and cakes and a disco.

Frenchman Frank Baillarger likes the party

Norma Gumbley, 60, who helped organise the Silver Jubilee party in the same street, travelled to the party from her new home of North Carolina in the United States.

"It is nice that these traditions are continuing," she said.

Frank Baillarger, 36, from Cognac, in France, who now lives in Graham Road, said: "I think it is great for those in the street.

"It is good for people to get together, particularly for the children. Everybody has made such an effort."