The people of Norwich are being urged to get behind celebrations to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

This summer it will be six decades since her coronation and it will be only the second Diamond Jubilee in 1,000 years of monarchs.

The Queen is currently at her Norfolk home in Sandringham, where she will remain until after the anniversary of her father's death on February 6, 1952.

King George VI died in his sleep at Sandringham House after a day's pheasant shooting.

As prime ministers come and go, boom is followed by bust, world maps alter and wars are fought and lost, Queen Elizabeth has remained at the helm of our nation and the Commonwealth as a steadfast monarch who has earned the love and respect of people the world over.

Interest in all things royal reached a climax last year with the wedding of her grandson Prince William, but 2012 will see the international spotlight very much turned on the Queen.

Norwich City Council will be lighting a beacon at City Hall, but is also trying to encourage communities to organise their own celebrations.

A spokeswoman said: 'To mark The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, we will be lighting a beacon at City Hall as part of a series of beacons to be lit across the UK.

'We have also produced a street party application pack (which will be available on our website soon www.norwich.gov.uk) for local communities who want to apply for a road closure for a street party over the weekend – which is a great way to meet friends, neighbours, build community spirit and join in the celebrations.'

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, who preached at the New Year's Day service attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Sandringham Church, said the jubilee offered the church an opportunity in playing an instrumental role in bringing communities together in celebration.

'There is potential for worship and fellowship and I hope that our churches will be at the forefront as I see this as an excellent opportunity for mission and service,' he said.

Norwich Cathedral is planning a flower festival starting on Friday, June 1, running until Monday, June 4. Entitled '60 Years of Norfolk', it is being organised by the cathedral's Flower Guild.

Committees are springing up in almost every town and parish to organise events for the extended bank holiday weekend of June 2 to 5 and there will be many more organised over the coming months.

The Queen and Prince Philip will be touring the UK during the coming year to celebrate the jubilee, while younger members of the family undertake international duties.

Work has started to celebrate the jubilee at Hellesdon High School, where pupils are marking the occasion by submitting work for a jubilee time capsule.

The capsule will contain newspaper cuttings, photographs and memories from ordinary people throughout the Commonwealth.

Pupils from Hellesdon High School plan to submit 20 good quality pieces to the time capsule to be in with the chance of winning prizes for the school.

Acle is planning a street party and entertainment on Sunday, June 3, while Attleborough is giving young people the chance to design a new monument to be placed in Queen's Square in honour of the jubilee.

On the north coast Cromer and Sheringham are planning a host of events, including three days of revelry in Cromer from June 3 to 5, and a big picnic in Sheringham on Sunday, June 3.

In Great Yarmouth it all starts during the week beginning May 21, when bunting will appear in the town and a two-day British village fete and food fair will be held at St George's Park on Saturday, June 2. Festivities will continue through to Tuesday, June 5.

The Evening News is publishing a series of special supplements to celebrate the jubilee on January 24, February 21, March 20, April 17, May 22 (which includes a round-up of all the events) and June 12, which will have pictures and reports from the celebrations.

Are you planning an event to mark the jubilee? Call reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772149 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk