THOUSANDS of happy party people in Bolton are getting ready to make the Golden Jubilee the celebration of the century.

More than 90 street parties are planned across the borough over the long Bank Holiday weekend, making the town the party capital of the country outside London.

Only London can boast a higher number of organised events.

Birmingham is next, with 70, while it was reported Manchester only had six.

The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor John Walsh, put the high numbers of parties in the town down to strong communities. "There is huge community spirit in the town," he said.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said they were delighted with the town's response.

He said: "Good old Bolton, we hope everyone enjoys themselves."

As well as the organised street parties, which needed special permission from the council to close streets, there is likely to be dozens of private events.

Churches in the town are holding special services with a few installing large screens to show the national service from London.

The annual Street Life festival will see Bolton celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee at Victoria Square between 12 noon and 5pm tomorrow. The afternoon will be full of fun and entertainment featuring familiar faces as well was sensational stunts and sounds.

And at 9pm, the Runga Rung parade will start in the square. The event will culminate at Spa Road playing fields at 10pm. For more details contact 01204 334098.