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Kent celebrates the Queen's official 90th birthday

Street parties, picnics and afternoon teas are just some of the ways people across Kent are celebrating the Queen's official 90th birthday this weekend.

Thousands are expected to turn out to events across the county for a right royal knees up to mark the monarch's milestone.

Her Majesty has two birthdays - the official one is always held on a Saturday in June, while her real birthday is on April 21. It was introduced to try to ensure better weather for the monarch's official celebrations.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her official 90th birthday. Library image.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her official 90th birthday. Library image.

Here is a round-up of just some of the events taking place today and tomorrow.

While thousands will be celebrating the Queen's Patrons Lunch in The Mall in London, the residents of Bearsted have organised a get together on the village green. It will take place between 12pm and 4pm on Sunday.

There will be a birthday party fit for a Queen at Leeds Castle tomorrow with family games on the Pavilion Lawn, Punch and Judy shows and a raffle.

Click here for more events in the Maidstone and Malling areas.

If you want to raise a glass to the most senior royal, this will be welcome news - pubs are able to open late to make the most of the occasion.

Dogs at Battersea Brands Hatch are celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday
Dogs at Battersea Brands Hatch are celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday

A number of venues across the county are hosting celebrations and showing England's first Euro 2016 game against Russia from 8pm.

With Queen Elizabeth II being such an animal lover, even the dogs and cats at Battersea Brands Hatch will be joining in the fun.

The royal has been patron of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for almost 60 years and its Brands Hatch branch is inviting visitors to enjoy a tea party and meet its own royal residents from 10.30am to 2pm on Saturday.

How about a picnic in the park? Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council has organised free celebrations in Swanscombe Park and Knockhall Park from noon to 2pm today.

The fun includes children’s entertainers Micky the Magician and Mrs Roundabout, outdoor fitness classes, a royal-themed teddy bears’ picnic and a ceremony unveiling commemorative benches.

Wateringbury Primary School pupil Sophie decorated a cake to mark the occasion. Picture: John Westhrop
Wateringbury Primary School pupil Sophie decorated a cake to mark the occasion. Picture: John Westhrop

The Great Big Queen’s Birthday Picnic will see up to 250 children aged four to 11 and their families enjoying an afternoon of fun at the open-air theatre in Dartford’s Central Park from 2pm to 5pm today.

Activities will include birds of prey demonstrations, circus skills, punch and judy shows, crafts and face painting.

Fort Gardens in Gravesend will ring out with the sounds of the annual Fusion Festival, with music and dance performances from the ultimate Queen tribute band Real Magic, Four by Four Bhangra, Phase 5 steel band and Uzambezi on Saturday.

For more information on events in Dartford and Gravesend, click here.

All weekend, Sittingbourne Methodist Church is hosting a Flower Festival to commemorate the milestone.

The Queen turns 90 today
The Queen turns 90 today

Local clubs and societies are participating and will be depicting the nine decades of the Queen’s life in floral arrangements.

Elsewhere, Tudor House in Margate will be hosting a garden party today and tomorrow, serving non-alcoholic drinks and cakes. The Mayor will also open a new floral display today.

In Ashford, a concert will take place at the town centre bandstand between 11am and 2pm today.

It will feature Miss Holiday Swing performing jazzy, Lindy Hop tunes from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

A street tea party for families and adults will be held today on Painters Forstal village green, with a fancy dress competition, raffle, tombola, children's entertainer and live music.

Celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday at Leeds Castle
Celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday at Leeds Castle

Hever Castle is hosting a fun quiz today, inviting participants to explore the rooms and discover answers to questions about Queen Elizabeth.

The Union Jack flag will also be flying as a mark of respect to her majesty.

In Ramsgate, the Comfort Inn is hosting an afternoon tea party with dainty sandwiches, scones and cakes for £10 per person.

And at Eastwell Manor, a street party and lunch is planned for tomorrow, with a live jazz band, a BBQ, sandwiches, cakes, jelly, ice cream, lemonade and ginger beer at The Pavilion.

Red, white and blue dress is optional.

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