Thetford celebrates the Diamond Jubilee with a massive street party in the Market Place. Oliver (left) and Ben Yorke

There was dancing in the streets of Thetford today as hundreds of people descended on the town centre for a Jubilee street party.

Around 700 revellers sat around tables in the Market Place to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and tucked into their home made packed lunches and picnics.

The festivities included dancing stilt walkers, face painting, dancing and plenty of flag waving to mark the special bank holiday.

Special visitors also attended from Thetford’s twin towns in Holland, Germany, France and Poland as part of celebrations to mark 50 years since the town’s first twinning arrangement with Spijkenisse in the Netherlands.

The street party was followed by a concert and funfair on Melford Common starting from 2pm.

David Brooks, organiser of the street party, said the 100 pre-booked tables were sold out within two weeks of going on sale.

“It is fantastic. Thetford has turned out and shown its community spirit, which has brought a vibe to the town centre,” he said.

Graham Sigley, chairman of Thetford Twinning Association, said their VIP guests were “delighted” to be part of the celebrations.

“We have learnt a lot about different systems of government and cultures and the one thing it is all about is friendship and that is the same in any country,” he said.

The celebrations will finish tonight with the lighting of the Diamond Jubilee Beacon on Castle Hill and firework display from 10.15pm.