JUBILEE fever will sweep the south with dozens of community events across the county.

The Queen will officially start the Diamond Jubilee weekend at the Epsom Derby where Katherine Jenkins will perform the National Anthem.

Meanwhile in Hampshire from the quaintest picturesque villages to the cities, there will be communities decked in red, white and blue bunting in a spontaneous show of patriotism.

Formal road closures will be in place across the county with dozens more celebrations taking place in parks, pubs, town squares, village greens and churches.

Winchester will launch its 48-hour Jubilate event, which will attract thousands of people to the city, with a Showcase of Local Talent.

The best local artists, musicians, comedians, actors and dancers will come together in Winchester Guildhall to get everyone in the Jubilee spirit.

Hampshire’s museums and even some libraries across the county will open their doors for free community open days complete with arts and crafts for residents.

Even patriotic pooches will be involved in the festivities at a Jubilee Fun Day and Dog Show in Southampton.

Funds from the event featuring Jubilee inspired agility tests and shows will raise money for the Blue Cross in Southampton – and there will even be some dogs in need of a home.

In the evening regal residents will don their finest 1950s gear and get in the Jubilee spirit with a series of fantastic events.

Highlights include a Diamond Jubilee Dance in Botley Market Hall to sounds of the 50s and in Copythorne there will be an old-fashioned Jubilee Shindig with live music, hog roast and raffle.

Daily Echo: Jubilee Saturday

EPSOM DERBY: Queen kicks off Diamond Jubilee weekend at the Derby where Katherine Jenkins will perform the national anthem.

LONDON: Hyde Park Jubilee Family Festival starts.

BOTLEY: Botley Market Hall. Diamond Jubilee Dance, from 7.30pm until 11.30pm, music of the 1950s, modern jive demo by Dance E11even, bar, 1950s dress optional. Tickets £7.50. Call 01489 781488.

HAMPSHIRE: County council museums in Fareham and Eastleigh will host community open days to celebrate the Jubilee. Arts, crafts, quizzes, storytelling and more, 10am until 4pm, free entry.

WEST END: Hatch Grange, Chapel Road, West End. Blue Cross Jubilee Fun Day and Dog Show to raise cash for local pets in need, from 11am. Olympic and Jubilee-inspired agility tests and dog shows, bric-a-brac, children’s activities, tombola, refreshments. Call 0300 777 1530.

SOUTHAMPTON: Portswood Church, Portswood Road, from 11am until 3pm. Jubilee party with bouncy castle, face painting, arts and crafts and traditional fayre games.

WINCHESTER: Guildhall, from 7pm, launch of the city’s Jubilate event with a showcase of local talent in aid of Winchester charities. Expect local artists, musicians, magicians, comedians, actors and dancers. Tickets now available half price at £5 from Winchester Tourist Information Centre by quoting CROWN on calling 01962 840 500.

SOUTHAMPTON: Cobbett Road Library, from 11am until 3pm. Come in 1950s clothes to a Jubilee party with 50s music and memorabilia, displays, refreshments, puzzles and games.

EASTLEIGH: Swan Centre, from 11am until 3pm, One of the country’s best Queen lookalikes will sit on her throne at the shopping centre to pose for photos, activities, Jubilee fun, free.

COPYTHORNE: The Jubilee Shindig, Copythorne Parish Hall, from 1pm. Jubilee party with live music to celebrate the Queen’s reign, hog roast supper, raffle, bar.

ROMSEY: Romsey Library, Station Road, from 9am until 4pm,. Diamond Jubilee Fun Day, town book trail, craft sessions, book and art displays.

ISLE OF WIGHT: Appley Park, Ryde, from 10am until 7pm, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee event, thousands expected to be transported back to the 1950s with vintage events, traditional fun and a jam-packed programme of live entertainment. Go to iowdiamondjubilee.co.uk

NEAR ALRESFORD: Hinton Ampner, Bramdean. The National Trust’s property Coronation Day revisited, from 11am until 5pm. The historic property will transport guests back to 1953 and there will be 60 red, white and blue cupcakes to give away each day.

FORDINGBRIDGE: The recreation ground, from 7pm until 10.30pm. Party in the park. Outdoor concert, fireworks, live music, bring your own picnic, drinks and flags.

MARCHWOOD: Lloyd’s recreation ground, from 2pm until 10pm. Local event featuring live music, and picnic in the park.

HYTHE: Village centre. Waterside Arts Jubilee Fun Day, from 10am. Entertainment including music, dance, street theatre and more. Free.