People across Wales are beginning to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in scenes reminiscent of days gone by.

In towns and villages across the country, more than 460 streets and roads will close for celebration street parties.

Local authorities have said they were flooded with requests to hold the parties, rekindling memories of the Silver Jubilee in 1977.

Celebrations are kicking off all around the UK

The weekend celebrations coincide with the kick-off of the football World Cup in Japan and Korea over a four-day UK holiday.

Entertainment and events are being laid on across the country.

City celebration

Cardiff Bay is staging party of BBC Radio 2's Jubilee Music Live featuring soul and gospel singers.

And the city's Oval Basin waterfront auditorium is hosting a free open-air concert by Welsh National Opera, coinciding with the Cardiff Harbour Regatta.

Live music is planned for each night of the celebration, which includes an extra Bank Holiday on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, people will be celebrating in typical style, with at least 282 events planned around Wales, according to the Golden Jubilee Summer Party website.

The busiest area is likely to be Rhondda Cynon Taff, where 63 street parties have been planned.

The borough council has waived the standard �500 street closure fee for the long jubilee weekend.

Big screen

Council leader Pauline Jarman said: "Many people in Rhondda Cynon Taff have taken up our offer and made arrangements to celebrate in traditional style with a community party in their street."

At Swansea's Castle Square, BBC Wales has erected a big television for passers-by to watch the jubilee celebrations as well as football from the Far East.

Villages like Rogiet in Monmouthshire have also planned their own four-day festivals.

Fewer events are planned in the north west, however, with just six street parties apparently planned in Gwynedd - three in Caernarfon, two in Bangor and one in Dolgellau - and just three on Anglesey.

On Saturday night, the Prom at the Palace will be broadcast live on screens along the Mall and adjacent parks.

On Monday, around 1,800 beacons will light the sky to mark Her Majesty's 50th year on the throne.