CITIZEN sales exective Carol Mabberley was one of the lucky ones in the grounds of Buckingham Palace to watch the Queen's Golden Jubilee concert on Monday evening. Here she recollects her day...

WE were truly two of the lucky ones at what can only be described as a magical, memorable evening of history and entertainment -- what a night!

As we joined the crowds at The Mall at around 5.15pm the atmosphere was electric -- you could almost touch it.

Having fought our way through thousands of people my daughter Leanne and I eventually passed through security and were inside the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

With Land of Hope and Glory playing to the crowd outside it was quite an emotional moment as we walked through the gates.

Having received our picnic in its souvenir cool bag we walked across the terrace and down on to the gardens.

And even the sun was shining, despite fears that the rain ponchos would be needed a few minutes earlier.

Soaking in the atmosphere was fabulous while we ate our picnic and drank our champagne.

Everyone was happy and in good spirits.

Then all eyes turned to see who was taking their seats in the royal box and the music began.

Brian May started proceedings on the roof of the palace with a rendition of the National Anthem.

Excitement mounted as Lenny Henry took to the stage followed by Ricky Martin.

Toploader really got the crowd singing along to Dancing in the Moonlight before Queen blew us all away with Radio Ga Ga.

The sensational Will Young joined them for We Are The Champions and we went wilder still. Other high spots for Leanne and I were Annie Lennox and Tom Jones.

Other memorable acts were the Beach Boys' medley with Brian Wilson, joined by several stars like Cliff Richard.

Paul McCartney closed the evening with all the performers on stage for a stirring version of All You Need is Love with the crowd singing along.

After Prince Charles's speech on stage we took our seats to watch the lighting of the beacon on The Mall and then came the sensational and breathtaking fireworks.

With two million applications for tickets Leanne and I were lucky and privileged to have been there.

It was a day and night we will never forget and we can always say "we were there".