Applications for tickets for two free concerts being held at Buckingham Palace in June will close at 2400 GMT on Sunday.

The shows - one pop, the other classical - are part of the celebrations for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

The Queen's decision to host the concerts in the palace gardens is thought to indicate an attempt to create a modern jubilee.

Within days of applications opening, a million people applied for tickets by phone or online.

Classical luminaries

The 12,000 tickets will not be allocated on a first come, first served basis but by a draw.

Lucky applicants to the Prom at the Palace on 1 June will see classical luminaries Mstislav Rostropovich, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Sir Thomas Allen.

Those winning tickets to the Party at the Palace two days later will be entertained by Tony Bennett, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson and Pop Idol winner Will Young.

There is still time to apply for tickets by telephoning 0900 1952 2002.

Calls cost no more than �1 - except from mobiles, for which costs may vary.