PARTYMANIA is gripping Bolton.

Thousands have already made the most of the Golden Jubilee weekend with colourful celebrations.

And thousands more were joining in the fun with street parties today.

Bolton is second only to London for the number of street parties being held. During the weekend, the streets of the town came alive with the sound of music and laughter as people celebrated 50 years since Queen Elizabeth came to the throne.

As part of the celebrations, there was a Street Life carnival in the town centre on Saturday, followed by a torchlight parade starting at 9pm to Spa Road playing fields.

Scores of residents gathered at Doe Hey Community Building in Grant Street, Farnworth, yesterday for a Jubliee extravaganza organised by the Cawdor Residents Association.

Partygoers of all ages also got into the swing of things at Harwood Youth Centre in Longsight Lane, Harwood.

And a magical time was had by all in Portugal Street, the Haulgh, where a magician entertained the children -- and even some of the adults.

Churches in Bolton held special services and some installed large screens to show the national service in London. Jubilee celebrations were continuing in London today as planned despite a fire last night at Buckingham Palace.

Twelve thousand rock fans invited by the Queen were expected in the palace garden to see former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and other big names at the unprecedented Party in the Palace.

After the concert, the Queen will light a Golden Jubilee beacon in The Mall, signalling the start of a spectacular firework display.

The pop concert, featuring Eric Clapton, Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard and Dame Shirley Bassey, will transform the normally tranquil royal garden, in the centre of the capital, into a rock arena.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were expected to join other members of the Royal Family in the Royal Box for the final half-hour of the three-hour show.

The Golden Jubilee spectacular was being kicked off with Queen guitarist Brian May performing the National Anthem from the roof of the Palace.

Tomorrow, there will be a ceremonial procession in central London, the day the Jubilee weekend celebrations come to an end.