'It's so British': Revellers line The Mall for Queen's birthday street party despite heavy rain

Laura Proto12 June 2016

Street party revellers have donned plastic macs and ponchos as they descended on The Mall for the Queen’s birthday celebrations.

Some 10,000 people are expected to take to the famous road in front of Buckingham Palace for a picnic ahead of a carnival-style parade watched by Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Undeterred by the wet weather, eager party-goers arrived at 10am to collect their wicker basket hampers and take their seats ready for the festivities.

Pamela Mayne and her husband Stephen from Country Durham decided to take their seats despite the heavy downpours.

Mrs Mayne said: “We couldn't get any wetter.

"We've got our camping seat covers on the chairs to sit on. They make all the difference so we're not feeling the cold.

"It feels like I'm in a tent in this poncho.

"It's so British. We're going to enjoy ourselves regardless."

Smiling: Two party-goers wore rain macs to the picnic 
REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

A number of the damp revellers walked along eating choc ices and ice creams despite the unseasonal chilly wet conditions.

The lollies were being given out free at stands along The Mall.

The Queen's grandson Peter Phillips has masterminded the open air Patron's Lunch to mark the monarch's patronage of more than 600 charities and organisations.

It will bring to a close this weekend's events marking the Queen's anniversary that has already seen a St Paul's Cathedral thanksgiving service and a traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Hamper: Guests will enjoy specially provided picnics 
REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

Tickets for the event were priced at £150 with the majority going to organisations or charities that have the Queen as patron and 2,500 sold to the general public.

The Queen and members of the family will later make an appearance to watch part of the colourful parade, before taking to a stage where William and Harry are expected to pay tribute to their grandmother.

The Mall street party - in pictures

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The parade will have themes for each era of the Queen's reign, kicking off with nautical-themed props and a giant puppet of the Royal Yacht Britannia.

A flower power theme will dominate the 1960s, while a 1980s "neon" vibe will feature Rubik's cubes and leg warmers.

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