JUBILEE fever is gripping the nation as the Queen prepares to celebrate a staggering 60 years on the throne.

Elizabeth II took the throne in 1952, when her father died, and her coronation a year later was the first to be televised.

The celebrations spread up and down the country, with street parties on almost every corner in June 1953, including in Clarendon Crescent, Bayswater and Alma Square, St John’s Wood.

Residents were out in the streets waving union flags and sharing food and drink with neighbours to mark the historic occasion.

Of course Queen Elizabeth’s was not the first coronation to be celebrated with street parties.

When her grandfather, George V, became King in 1911, his coronation was marked by huge street parties and one of the biggest was in Wilcove Place, Marylebone.

Residents were out in force in the street, which was decorated with bunting and flags, as they toasted the new king.

But no monarch since Queen Victoria has reigned for as long as our current Queen.

Her silver jubilee, in 1977, was celebrated with widespread celebrations, with street parties held across London, including one in Grosvenor Square, and across the country.

The Queen joined a flotilla on the Thames, similar to one planned for this year’s diamond jubilee.

The royal yacht Britannia was followed along the river by several boats, including a number of police vessels to keep her, and the crowds trying to catch a glimpse, safe.

She celebrated in similar style for her golden jubilee in 2002, with events around the globe throughout the year.

With parties planned all through the weekend, and an extra bank holiday to enjoy, this weekend's diamond jubilee party looks set to be another royal occasion to remember.