The focus of the jubilee will be on an extended weekend at the start of June, featuring two music concerts at Buckingham Palace.

Undoubtedly the funeral of the Queen Mother has heightened people's interest

Lord Sterling Golden Jubilee Weekend Trust

David Kernon, who is organising jubilee events in the Norfolk villages of East and West Rudham, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme more bunting and union jacks had being sold and more volunteers of all ages were coming forward.

He said: "People feel sorry for the Queen having lost a sister and a mother over such a short period and I think they want to make the Golden Jubilee a great event for her."

A similar picture is reported in East Sussex, where David Vaughan is in charge of events in Laughton and is incorporating a special church service for the Queen Mother.

Mr Vaughan, speaking on the same programme, said: "The number of enquiries we've got since the passing of the Queen Mother has increased by as much as 50%."

Fireworks

Lord Sterling, chairman of the Golden Jubilee Weekend Trust, said: "Undoubtedly the funeral of the Queen Mother, and what she represented to the country, has heightened people's interest."

He said the pageantry of the occasion will involve 22,000 people and be screened to millions at home and abroad.

Lord Sterling added: "From what I'm told at the palace, the Queen Mother herself was absolutely keen and adamant that these celebrations, if anything transpired, would not only go on, but be something special for her daughter."

The Queen has lost a sister and mother

Almost two million people will find out this week whether they have a ticket to the Queen's two Jubilee concerts, with only 24,000 tickets.

Among the performers at the classical concert, on 1 June, and the pop concert, on 3 June, are soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, tenor Roberto Alagna, Sir Paul McCartney and S Club 7.

There will also be a co-ordinated UK-wide rendition of the Beatles' classic All You Need Is Love

Other Jubilee events include a fireworks display in London's The Mall, a ceremonial procession and an equestrian event at the Windsor Horse Show.