THE official celebrations may not start until the weekend, but for some the Diamond Jubilee has already begun.

Pupils at Bootham School in York are rehearsing all three verses of God Save The Queen. Teachers will be listening intently when the school sings the National Anthem at its Jubilee picnic and fancy dress party tomorrow, and will award extra House points to pupils who are word perfect.

Patriotric passengers may miss their bus in Nether Poppleton as they admire the decorations on the bus stop outside The Lord Nelson by Sue Anderson, of Main Street. It has been adorned with cushions, books about the Royal Family, chocolates and other royal items. Mean-while, people throughout York, Selby, Malton and North and East Yorkshire have been window-dressing shops with flags and all things patriotric and putting up bunting at workplaces.

There will be crowns galore in Sheriff Hutton where the The Camping and Caravanning Club site will be joining 110 across the country to try and set the world record for the most people wearing multiple crowns.

The Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts will lead Jubilee celebrations at Sewerby Hall, near Bridlington, when it stages The Queen’s Picnic on Sunday, The Queen’s Tea Party on Monday, and other events throughout the holiday weekend.