3 June 2012 Last updated at 12:10 ET

Diamond Jubilee: Dorset parties through the weekend

The town's lifeboat led a flotilla from the harbour along the seafront

People in Dorset have celebrated the Diamond Jubilee at a host of events across the county on Sunday.

Almost 70 street parties took place while a parade of boats along Weymouth seafront marked The Queen's 60 years on the throne.

Bournemouth hosted an all-day seafront celebration, including live music and dance which continues on Monday.

Villages and towns across Dorset are holding their own community events as part of the Big Lunch.

In Weymouth, crowds lined the seafront to watch a demonstration from the local RNLI and coastguard search and rescue helicopters off the pier head.

At the scene

Adam Williams BBC News Online

---

Dorset pulled out all the stops to show off its best of red, white and blue.

It was a slow start to the day with some uncertain weather conditions, but communities were out from early morning making preparations for a party to remember.

One street I visited in Christchurch was expecting more than 100 people to attend. Organisers certainly weren't going to be put off by the forecast of showers.

In Bournemouth, the centre of attention was the seafront where a day of entertainment and music began from mid morning.

All around the county, there was a determination to have fun, meet the neighbours and toast the Queen.

The town's lifeboat then led a flotilla from the harbour along the seafront.

The Mayor of Weymouth & Portland Margaret Leicester and commodore of The Royal Dorset Yacht Club Graham Castell took the salute outside Custom House Quay.

More than 100 people turned out for a party in Flambard Avenue, Christchurch.

Organiser Nicky Prior said: "It's been great fun. We have a social club in the street which is more than 35 years old so holding gatherings like this is second nature to us.

"We are determined to party on all day."

Crowds flocked to Bournemouth seafront for a free, two-day celebration of live music and dance.

The event to the east of the pier started at 10:00 and finishes with a finale on Monday night at 22:30 BST.

In Dorchester, the town is flying about 170 union jack flags from newly installed flagpoles outside homes and businesses.

The flags, along High West Street and High East Street, will remain in place throughout the summer as nearby Weymouth prepares to host the sailing and windsurfing at the London 2012 Olympics.

See all the latest Diamond Jubilee news and features at bbc.co.uk/diamondjubilee

More than 100 people turned out to party in Flambard Avenue, Christchurch