A year after the Royal Wedding, the Union Flags will be coming out again for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

by Jess Banham

Kent is preparing to bring out the bunting once again as more than 20 street parties have already been planned to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

So far, Union Flags will be flying high at 14 bashes in Kent and 10 in Medway to celebrate Her Majesty's 60 years on the throne in June.

The Jubilee Weekend, which starts on June 5, will feature an extra Bank Holiday, so along with the late May Bank Holiday, everyone will get four days to enjoy the occasion.

Keith Mitchell (pictured), of Old Surrenden Manor Road, Bethersden, near Ashford, is already busy planning a party with his neighbours.

He said: "We've got music, we've got parades and we've got a good singer someone coming along to perform the national anthem.

"We'll also have games so it's hopefully going to be a great community day for the whole of the parish."

More than 1,000 people are expected at the event and Mr Mitchell, who is also on the parish council, says it's important everyone gets involved.

"You don't find many people who don't say what a good job the Queen has done," he added.

"She's been a wonderful servant for the country, she acts as a focal point for the nation and throughout her reign, she doesn't seem to have put a foot wrong."

Last year, Kent threw more than 180 street parties to celebrate the Royal Wedding – more than any other county.

Both Kent County Council and Medway Council are urging anyone who wants to organise an event requiring a road closure to apply for permission now.