A celebration of the reign... even if they had to don their waterproofs

Red, white and blue bunting decorated the railings surrounding Harewood House, near Leeds, and the band played on – albeit it in a sheltered spot.

The carry-on spirit was echoed elsewhere in the region as those who had set out to mark the occasion resolved not to be put off by the downpour and put on their waterproofs, put up their umbrellas and carried on regardless.

Nancy Wood, 89, of Darlington, visiting Harewood, on a day trip, said of the Queen: “She had to take a lot on when she first started her reign, she wasn’t very old.”

Her friend, Winn Gaddass, 80, also of Darlington, agreed saying: “She is just marvellous.”

Another woman, from Bradford, who did not wish to be named, said the Jubilee celebrations had helped to bring together the nation in tough economic times.

The damp conditions did mean some planned events had to be put off. Such was scale of the rainfall during the morning the Leeds Concert Band, who were due to perform on Harewood’s north lawn, were forced to find shelter undercover at the Courtyard and play to those brave enough to endure the weather.

On the opposite side, again in a sheltered corner, people were preparing a barbecue, hoping the skies would clear.

In the car park, others sat in the dry of their vehicles, drinking tea and hoping for a break in the weather.

Cynthia Holloway, of Sutton Coldfield, said: “I’m not surprised that there are so many people here in this weather.”

Despite the damp, street parties still went ahead.

In Chapel Allerton, Leeds, a party took place near the Regent Pub.

The street was decorated with Union flag bunting and locals took shelter from the weather in a marquee.

Inside the tables were decorated with flags and people ate party food with their neighbours.

The pub’s bar was decorated with flags and one or two regulars could be seen holding a crown.

The weather did mean there had to be one or two last minute adjustments however, with a street party in Carleton, near Skipton, yesterday, being relocated at the last minute to the village hall.

A large banner still proclaims God Save the Queen as people enter Carleton where five days of free festivities – organised after around £4,000 was raised by residents – kicked off with a lantern procession and firework display.

At the weekend about 500 people enjoyed a gala with fancy dress, a royal look-a-like competitions and a dog show – where entrants even included a seven-week old lamb called Twinkle Toes.

Today there will be a chance to work off any indulgences at a sports day before the Carleton beacon is lit.

Mother-of-three Lesley Day, who was involved in fundraising, said: “We wanted to have something that everybody could get involved with on every single day.”

Wakefield Cathedral marked the Jubilee with a thanksgiving service. Some celebrations were moved indoors to avoid the rain.

Those who had organised events for Saturday fared better with the weather. A picnic took place in Ossett, near Wakefield, while Brighouse hosted a Jubilee party.