Thousands of people across west Kent turned out over the four-day bank holiday weekend to celebrate the Queen’s record-breaking 70-year reign.

To mark the start of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations on Thursday, more than 1,500 beacons were lit in the UK.

The ceremonies took place at 9.45pm, where gas-fuelled beacons, braziers and bonfires were ignited simultaneously.

In Leeds, the beacon was lit by nominated "village crier" Jason Tharp, also known as Jason of The George pub.

There were a variety of events and activities taking place in Maidstone and the Weald throughout the long weekend.

Maidstone Borough Council hosted a rousing Proms at Whatman Park, along with free craft activities at The Mall and Maidstone Museum.

Bearsted Active Retirement Association organised an afternoon tea party at Grove Green Community Hall on Thursday, where 78 members attended.

Now in its 10th year, East Malling Picnic in the Park was held on Sunday and had live bands, refreshments, children’s activities, and a variety of stalls for residents to enjoy.

At Penshurst Place, singer Jay Britton - known as “The Tudor Songbook” - performed in full period costume inside the medieval Baron’s Hall.

Leeds Castle named itself the “Castle of Queens” and looked back on the six female monarchs who have lived there at some time during its long history.

A spokeswoman said: “Our event celebrated Leeds Castle’s medieval queens - all of whom were powerful, strong, cultured, educated and exceptional conversationalists, much like Queen Elizabeth II herself.

“All weekend our storytellers have been sharing the queens' stories, with lots of singing, dancing and celebrations.”

Visitors at Hever Castle celebrated with a whole of host of activities - including a jewel hunt and Queen’s trail.

Children had the chance to find precious corgis and spot what mischief they were getting up to as part of a trail in the grounds.

Jubilee celebrations were combined with an edible lesson from The National Fruit Show education programme at Hunton Primary School.

Children were treated to an end of term feast of strawberries, raspberries and “Lilibet” apples, all from local growers, washed down with specially-made fruit juice.

Larkfield Community Group marked the occasion with an unveiling of a flower bed outside the local Fire Station.

MP for Chatham and Aylesford, Tracey Crouch CBE, revealed the commemorative plaque, alongside Mayoress Sue Bell, Cllrs Trudy Dean, David Thornewell, and Tim Bishop.

Boughton Monchelsea honoured Her Majesty’s long reign by unveiling a new jubilee bench for the local community at Boughton Park.

It features a detailed inscription dedicated to the Platinum Jubilee and was installed jointly by Cllr Andy Humphreys of Boughton Monchelsea Parish Council, and Fernham Homes’ Chris Loughead.

Nearly 200 roads were closed across Maidstone, Malling and the Weald for street parties, making them among the most patriotic areas of Kent.

In Teapot Lane, Aylesford, more than 140 residents came together to celebrate on Sunday.

They had a Great British Bake Off competition, ice cream van, face painting and lots of bunting decorations, handmade by the locals.

Allington Community Centre hosted a “take your own picnic event”, which featured a kids’ funfair, jubilee cake competition and live music from Jay Scott & The Find.