Huge crowds celebrated the Silver Jubilee in 1977

Lottery funding will be available to help communities take part in the celebrations, which will last three month.

Announcing the plans, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "This significant national anniversary of 50 years of the Queen's reign will offer people of all ages and cultures and from all walks of life the opportunity for celebration.

"The events surrounding the Jubilee will also provide numerous opportunities for voluntary and community service.

"It should be a time for looking forward as well as back - including the great changes that have taken place in the nation's life during Her Majesty's reign."

In a written parliamentary answer, the prime minister also announced that Lottery funding would be available from the Arts Council, Sports Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Community Fund and New Opportunities Fund.

Voluntary organisations would be able to apply for grants of between �500 and �5,000 for Jubilee-related projects benefiting good causes. Golden Jubilee city status would be granted to a selected town.

Nominated charities

The Queen has asked that organisations or individuals wishing to celebrate the Golden Jubilee with some form of donation be encouraged to give to one or more of five nominated charities.

The chosen charities are: Barnardo's, CRUSE Bereavement Services, I CAN, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).

The Queen's desire to help I CAN, a charity aiding youngsters with speech and language difficulties, is a reminder that her father, George VI, suffered from a stammer.

It should be a time for looking forward as well as back

Prime Minister Tony Blair

The choice of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution was prompted by hardships among the farming community, resulting from the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

She has also accepted a recommendation for the design of a Golden Jubilee Emblem which members of the public, commercial and public services and manufacturers may use, at no cost, to "brand" events, services, souvenirs and other items connected with the Jubilee.

The emblem, together with guidance on its use, is obtainable on a Golden Jubilee website on the internet.

Buckingham Palace officials said they would be anxious to avoid the branding of "souvenir tat" with the official emblem.

Tuesday 4 June will be the main day of celebrations and local communities planning street parties - in the same spirit as in 1977 for the Queen's Silver Jubilee - are being encouraged to have them on this Bank Holiday.

The Queen will attend a National Thanksgiving Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London on 4 June, followed by a Golden Jubilee lunch at Guildhall, in the City of London.