IT WAS the party the cynics said would never happen. But despite the wet weather thousands took to the streets of Hampshire yesterday to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Tons of bangers, gallons of booze and miles of bunting turned towns and cities into an explosion of red, white and blue.

There was fun, frolics and laughter with hundreds of homes decked out in bunting and flags and communities joining together for Her Majesty's special day.

Not even yesterday's dull, wet weather - in contrast to the glorious, sunny weekend - could dampen the party spirit. Whole roads were transformed as patriotic pride swept across cities, towns and villages. Drivers displayed the cross of St George on cars and lorries in a tidal wave of celebration.

Street parties across the county ranged from the very small to the very large. Among the largest was at Woolston in Southampton, where around 400 people tucked into a giant spread in Archery Grove.

Perhaps the most unusual venue for a party was inside a laundry in a block of flats at Witts Hill in Midanbury, Southampton. Resident Denise Geary decked out the washroom with red, white and blue balloons and residents brought their own nibbles as they staged one of the smallest community parties in the city.

Yesterday was the third day of festivities across the south with fairs, picnics and parades organised to remember 50 years of Elizabeth II's reign.

Revellers enjoy a street party in West Wellow