Street parties, picnics and celebrations have been taking place across the county as thousands of people marked the Queen's 90th birthday.

Lyle Court in Allington was closed to traffic yesterday and homes were decorated as residents got into the street party spirit.

Guests dressed as royals past and present and enjoyed music and food before toasting Her Majesty.

A family fun day was held at The Tickled Trout in West Farleigh with traditional games, nostalgic sports day races and even donkey rides.

The Farleighs' WI provided cakes, a band performed live music and guests were treated to wines and ciders from Hush Heath Estate in Staplehurst.

St Martin's Church in Shepway went for a slightly different theme, holding a Taste of the Commonwealth event as Queen Elizabeth II is head of the Commonwealth.

Stalls provided food and music from various member countries including Canada, India and Jamaica.

Pupils and staff at Wateringbury Primary School near Maidstone were among the first to start celebrating the Queen's big day.

The children decorated cakes and had fun in the school field on Tuesday as they enjoyed a picnic under the sun.

It marked the start of a week of celebrations to mark the royal occasion.

Queen Elizabeth II attended a national service of thanksgiving on Friday to mark her birthday at St Paul's Cathedral ahead of her official birthday yesterday (Saturday).

The Queen has two birthdays - the official one is always held on a Saturday in June, while her real birthday is on April 21. It was introduced to try to ensure better weather for the monarch's official celebrations.

Other schools and nurseries held celebrations on Friday when pupils dressed in red, white and blue, wore their hair in crazy styles and enjoyed tea parties in celebration of the Queen's special day.

At Weavering Preschool, Weavering Street, Maidstone, youngsters wore royal-themed costumes as they took part in fun celebrations.

At Brunswick House Primary School, Leafy Lane, Maidstone, a tea party was held in the monarch's honour and youngsters dressed in red, white and blue.

There was another party at Oaks Primary Academy, Oak Tree Avenue, Maidstone, where the children wore hats they'd made throughout the day.

Tiger Primary School in Boughton Lane, Loose, went for something a little different and children were encouraged to wear their hair in crazy styles.

Fun events took place all weekend, including hundreds of street parties and community gatherings.

While thousands were celebrating the Queen's Patrons Lunch in The Mall in London today, the residents of Bearsted organised a get together on the village green.

People brought their own picnics to raise a glass to Her Majesty. There were performances by Old School Samba, the Abbey Ukulele and face painting.

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A round up of events:

Saturday, June 11

Family fun day at The Tickled Trout, Lower Rd, West Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 0PE - midday to 5pm

Taste of the Commonwealth celebration at St Martin’s Church, Northumberland Road, Shepway, Maidstone, ME157LP - midday to 3pm

Street party in Lyle Court, off Hazelwood Drive, Allington, ME16 0EQ - 11.45am to 2pm

Flower festival to mark the Queen's 90th in St Mary's Church, Maidstone Road, Hadlow, TN11 0DJ

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Sunday, June 12

Penshurst Place, near Sevenoaks, hosts a picnic lunch, from around midday to 3pm, set to feature around 300 people.

Picnic on the Pitch at Kings Hill Cricket Pitch, 17 Tiffen Way, Kings Hill, ME19 4GZ - 11am to 3pm

Street party in Mackenders Lane, Eccles, ME20 7JA - 1pm to 8pm

Street party in The Harbour, Sutton Valance, ME17 3AB - 2pm to 5pm

Street party in Holtye Crescent, off Loose Road, Maidstone - from 2pm

Street party in Grace Avenue, Allington, Maidstone, ME16 0BU - starts at 2pm

Celebration to mark the occasion at Ryarsh Village Hall, Birling Road, Ryarsh, ME19 5LS - from 3pm

Picnic on the front lawn of Maidstone Methodist Church in Union Street in the town centre - 3pm to 5pm (moved inside the church due to weather)

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Our photographer was at some of these events - make sure you check Friday's Kent Messenger for a picture special. We'd also love to see your pictures - email them to messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk by 10am on Monday, June 13.