A flower festival to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee got underway at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle on Thursday.

The festival was opened by the Duchess of Northumberland as a colourful celebration of the Queen's reign.

The extensive floral arrangements cover 42 themes relating to the Queen's 60 years on the throne.

The floral displays are accompanied by a series of musical and cultural events celebrating the Diocese of Newcastle, the most northerly diocese of the Church of which the Queen is head.

Tonight, a concert will be held at the cathedral by the Northumbrian Ranters, a group of 45 students from schools within Northumberland who play traditional music.

On Saturday from 2pm to 3pm, the cathedral will stage a free ceilidh in the square outside. In the evening, the “From Rationing To Recession” fashion show will treat guests to fashion highlights from the various decades of the Queen's reign. They include creative interpretations of recycled fashions by students attending local schools and colleges.

On Sunday, the Clarsach Society will be giving a free recital in the cathedral from 1pm to 3pm
At 4pm there will be a service of celebration featuring the cathedral choir.

The Dean of Newcastle, the Very Rev Chris Dalliston said: "It was a delight to welcome the Duchess of Northumberland to St Nicholas Cathedral to open this amazing Flower Festival. The range and quality of the floral exhibits is fantastic."

The Duchess, who is Lord Lieutenant for Northumberland, said: "I am sure the Queen would be delighted with the floral tributes, it just a shame she is not able to be everywhere this weekend to witness the broad range of tributes and the sentiments of the people."

Entry to the daytime floral exhibits is free.