EAST LANCASHIRE was today gearing up for its biggest party in decades as people prepared to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee -- and cheer England in the World Cup.

Street parties and dozens of other events have been planned for the next four days to mark the 50th anniversary of the coronation, while pubs across the area are expecting full houses as England play Sweden on Sunday.

The double-party led to bunting and England flags appearing across the area as many people began a four day break from work.

And what's more, the weathermen reckon it will warm too!

Large-scale events are being planned across the area, along with dozens of smaller community activities also expected to take place.

The focus of Blackburn with Darwen's events takes place in the smaller of the two towns. All weekend, Darwen Music Live will entertain thousands with dozens of live bands from across the musical spectrum.

And on Sunday evening, a laser and firework display is expected to light up the sky above Darwen Tower.

In Hyndburn, a three-day extravaganza is being held in Oak Hill Park, Accrington. Sunday sees the annual Sound rock and pop concert being held, along with a dance arena.

Monday is more family-orientated, with music and entertainment all day with a wide selection of entertainment also lined up for Tuesday.

Market traders in Clitheroe have joined forces with the Ribble Valley Council to ensure their Golden Jubilee celebrations go with a swing.

They have organised a fun day on Clitheroe Market on Saturday, which is also the 825th anniversary of the market's charter.

Festive red, white and blue bunting will adorn the market, and traders will be dressed in red, white and blue fancy dress.

Shoppers will be able to take part in a Find the King and Queen competition and food tasting sessions at the market stalls.

There will be an exhibition by Clitheroe and District Motor Club and a copy of the Clitheroe Market Charter will be on view.

The rebuilt 1933 Princess Elizabeth train, which the Queen named when she was just eight, will be passing through the area three times in three days. On Saturday, the 159-tonne express steam locomotive will call at Blackburn Station before heading for Carlisle via Wilpshire, Whalley and Clitheroe with the northbound Cumbrian Mountain Express.

On Monday the engine will travel from Manchester to Carlisle and back via Blackburn and the Ribble Valley line with the Golden Jubilee Express.

Between hauling main line charter trains the Princess is based at the Bury depot of the East Lancashire Railway which terminates at Rawtenstall.

Across the area, churches will be saying prayers of thanks during their Sunday services. Blackburn Cathedral is holding a special service on Sunday involving members of the community from across the county who will give thanks for the Queen's 50 years on the throne.

But for many church-goers, it will be a choice between God or football on Sunday morning as England take on Sweden.

Hundreds of pubs across East Lancashire have been allowed to open early to show the game -- which starts at the same time as most church services.

However, the church has already made allowances for the football -- with the blessing of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, said: "The timing of the Golden Jubilee service was carefully looked in to when the World Cup timetable was released and we thought the afternoon would be best."

Blackburn Rovers Chaplain, Rev Ken Howles, has made a stand and said there should be no question of moving church services to fit in with football as faith "must come first."

"You will not find a bigger World Cup fan than me but in this day and age I am sure people can set the video and watch the match a little later."

And East Lancashire pubs will be cashing in on the beer for breakfast attitude to celebrations.

Dozens of applications for early licenses have been dealt with by magistrates. Pubs just have to make breakfast and provide a big screen.

Brian Andrew, landlord at the Borough Arms in Exchange Street, Blackburn, said: "I think it's perfect timing with the Jubilee. It will just be one big party and the pub is all kitted out with Union Jacks."

The Department for Transport has launched a £200,000 radio campaign to make sure people don't risk drinking and driving because of the World Cup or the jubilee.

The Highways Agency, meanwhile, gave everyone cause to celebrate today by announcing all major motorway roadworks will be suspended.