REVELLERS took to the streets to make sure made sure the Golden Jubilee was an event to remember.

Even the gloomy skies and occasional bursts of rain that punctuated the day failed to dampen the spirits -- for some it even hardened the resolve.

Sharon Thomas who organised a party in Kentmere Drive, in Feniscowles, Blackburn, said: "It rained when we held a party for the Millennium, but it just made us enjoy it even more. The rain would never stop us having a good party."

Streets throughout the area closed themselves off for the day as they entered party mode. Red, white and blue bunting hung from the lampposts and houses, music blared and food and drink flowed.

Entertainment was put on for the children to ensure that the jubilee celebrations will live in their memory for a long time to come.

Sunnymere Drive, in Darwen, was literally halved by a huge bouncy castle which was filled with youngsters braving the rain.

Organiser Alan Ainsworth said: "It's good to have a party to celebrate the jubilee, and bring the neighbours together as well. And it's great fun for the kids."

Six-year-old Jade Waring certainly thought so as she joined in the fun at a fancy dress party held in her street, Leeward Close, Lower Darwen. The Lower Darwen Primary pupil dressed up as a jester.

One community held a street party with a difference -- they borrowed a pub. The Wolsley Street Neighbourhood Watch group held its bash in the car park of the nearby Aqueduct pub, in Ewood. Neighbourhood watch secretary Pauline Kennedy said: "The pub kindly said we could use its facilities so we thought we'd make the most of it.

"The rain doesn't bother us, we had a street party in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee and ended up in the community centre because of the rain then, so we are used to it." Youngsters on the children's ward at Blackburn Royal Infirmary got to join in the fun too and were paid a special visit by firefighters bearing gifts.

The 11-strong white watch threw a party for the children which included a host of games. Firefighter Dave Gilmour said: "A lot of local businesses helped us out with the gifts and the children loved it."

There was disappointment for steam enthusiasts yesterday when the Princess Elizabeth steam train failed to make its expected journey to Blackburn. The locomotive had earlier been overheating and had to be switched at the last minute for a stand-in locomotive.