Rock royalty play tribute at Diamond Jubilee concert

Rock and pop royalty were taking centre stage tonight as they perform in honour of the Queen outside Buckingham Palace at a Diamond Jubilee concert marking her 60-year reign.

Organised by the BBC and pop star Gary Barlow, legends Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Cliff Richard and Sir Tom Jones headed the celebrity-studded line-up alongside newer artists Jessie J, JLS and Ed Sheeran.

Cult 80s band Madness were preparing to take to the roof of Buckingham Palace for the finale in front of 10,000 people, emulating Brian May during the 2002 Golden Jubilee, to belt out the hit Our House.

And Dudley's Lenny Henry was lined-up as one of the hosts for the night.

As the concert reaches its climax 4,000 beacons will be lit nationwide with the Queen due to light a beacon in The Mall from the concert stage.

Diamond Jubilee revellers were forced to brave the elements yesterday as the heavens opened, with organisers forced to make changes to their events.

But the forecast was improving today with the rain largely holding off as street parties were under way for a second day.

Rain is set to return tomorrow, with heavy downpours in the afternoon and temperatures of 14C (57F).

An estimated six million people raised their glasses at Diamond Jubilee Big Lunch events all over the country yesterday, with thousands taking part in the Midlands. Several planned outdoor events were cancelled because of the rain.

But the vast majority went ahead, with marquees, gazebos and portable heaters used to ensure the party could go on. In Staffordshire, the historic Lichfield Cathedral opened its doors and welcomed hundreds of people for a Big Lunch.

Around 100 people attended a street party in Glendale Close, Halesowen. which raised money for Halesowen Scout and Guide Association. A street party in Homefield Road, Bilbrook, still went ahead despite the downpours and spirits were high among the guests. Expecting a downpour, organisers of a street party in Manderston Close, Dudley, pitched six gazebos.

Wolverhampton's West Park's party was also getting under way this evening

Yesterday's Thames pageant set a new world record for the number of boats in a parade. More than 1,000 vessels took part in the extravaganza with 670 making the complete trip. The previous record was 327. Six people were treated for suffering the effects of the cold and wet.

16 pages of jubilee celebration pictures in today's Express & Star