Bunting and Union Flags galore adorned the streets of the town centre and a stage showcased some of the best local musical talent.

Chris Barker kicked off proceedings followed by the wonderful KS Musicals, from which children aged three and up performed a series of hits, including Gary Barlow’s Sing and the Spice Girls’ Wannabe.

Then town crier Russell Palmer and mayor Hayley Preston officially opened the ceremony.

“Oyez, oyez, oyez!” declared the crier.

“Today in our nation and throughout the Commonwealth, we are celebrating our glorious Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“Elizabeth II, our most beloved sovereign and head of the Commonwealth for 70 years, how apt that this should be the platinum anniversary of her succession.

“And so it is in honour of this unique occasion that beacons will be lit this evening throughout the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and the UK Overseas Territories, and in all capital cities of the Commonwealth.”

“Let it be known that in proclaiming this tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee that we are one nation, one Commonwealth.

“God Save The Queen.”

He was followed by Barrow’s new mayor who said she was ‘honoured’ to be able to speak to the crowd and expressed her pride ‘as a Barrow lass’ to take the position.

She said: “What a fantastic day this is.

“Not a lot of people have been inside the Town Hall before today but we have had lots and lots of visitors.”

There were guided tours of the Town Hall and Jubilee exhibition.

She continued: “It’s great to have so many people milling around.

“It’s amazing to see hundreds and hundreds of people in our town square in such a beautiful setting.

“It’s an absolute honour to be the last Mayor of Barrow Borough Council – what a way to kick off my year.”

Next year, Barrow Borough Council will cease to exist after Westmorland and Furness Council takes over the administration of South Cumbria.

“I’ve only been Mayor for a few weeks and now I’m on stage in front of this crowd – it’s quite scary but it’s such an honour for a Barrow lass," she said.

READ: Barrow Mayor describes her 'privilege and honour' to serve town ahead of handover

“I’d just like to say congratulations to the Queen for her 70th year on the throne, an amazing achievement and an amazing woman we have leading our country.

“And a big thank you to all the staff who have made this possible.”

A rendition of God Save the Queen – followed by a guitar solo from the balcony of the Town Hall, was followed by a musical afternoon.

South Lakes Rock School, a choir which performs classic rock hits, delighted the crowd with numbers from Queen and Elton John.

They were followed by the Café Jazz Band, who joked that they were “delighted to bring some sex appeal” to the occasion.

Then, vintage songstress Becki Fishwick took to the stage, followed by Lisa Hart with a collection of Disney Songs and finally Voce, who sing ‘popular music with a Classical twist'.

A second official street party will kick off on Dalton Road on Saturday at noon.

READ: Impressive crocheted jubilee themed items displayed at Barrow market stall