Towns and villages across Waveney will be marking Her Majesty’s milestone birthday this weekend with a host of special events, parties and firework displays.

The Queen’s celebrations will begin today with a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, before the traditional Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade tomorrow, which is her official birthday.

And to commemorate our longest reigning monarch, people have been busy planning gatherings to bring together communities.

In Beccles tomorrow, the sea, air and army cadets will be lighting a torch at 8.30pm at the town museum where a tree has already been planted to commemorate The Queen. They will then travel by boat from the staithe at the lido with mayor Graham Catchpole along the River Waveney to the quay where a beacon will be lit on the meadow at 9pm.

During the day Cossey Funeral Services in Exchange Square will be holding an outdoor cake sale in front of their royal window display.

In Metfield, there is a flower festival in the church celebrating the English Country Garden, as well an art and craft show in the village hall, featuring an exhibition of pictures and paintings of David Bowie and The Queen. Both are on today, tomorrow and Sunday from 11am and 4pm.

Tonight, a celebration supper takes place in the Red Barn, before a tractor run leaves St John’s Meadow at 11am tomorrow with rides for children in the afternoon. At 7pm tomorrow there will be a picnic at Rookery Farm followed by an evening of film, music and dance, culminating with a bonfire and fireworks. And at 10am on Sunday there is Songs of Praise in Metfield church and open gardens from noon to 4pm. A bring and share garden party will round off the weekend with entertainment and music.

Over at Loddon the residents of Davy Place have a whole day of celebrations organised tomorrow. Guests are invited to witness the planting of a commemorative shrub at noon in the wildflower garden, which will be blessed by the Rev Joan Evans. Representatives from local councils, scouts, brownies and cadets will also be in attendance for a barbecue and royal toast. The party will continue into the evening with a street party from 5pm.

Chedgrave Parish Council is also holding a Picnic in the Pits tomorrow from noon to 3pm. Children will receive a commemorative coin and there will be entertainment, stalls and refreshments. Entry is free with donations to the Chedgrave Lych Gate War Memorial Fund.

Bungay will be celebrating in style this evening with family entertainment, the lighting of the town beacon and fireworks. Activities will start at the Castle Bailey at 3.30pm with the children’s fancy dress competition. During the evening there will be free hot dogs for children, a Punch and Judy show, hog roast, stalls, and bar. A royal proclamation will be read and patriotic songs sung. Just before the beacon is lit, Royal British Legion standards will be paraded, led into the site by a Scottish piper and the sunset ceremony will be performed, before fireworks at 10pm. For the competition, children are being asked to wear a crown or tiara, and carry a sceptre. There will be prizes for the best three entries for up to seven years and seven to 11 years.

All Hallows Nursing Home in Ditchingham will be holding a tea party lunch tomorrow for residents and patients from All Hallows Hospital.

And in Halesworth there will be a picnic in the park from noon before people make their way over to the station to enjoy the arrival of a musical train at 1.35pm, to celebrate the new planting by Halesworth in Bloom and to support the campaign to save the sack barrow crossing.