THE region is preparing for a full weekend of celebrations to help mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

To help readers mark the 50th year of the Queen's reign, The Northern Echo has compiled a guide to the pick of Golden Jubilee events in your neighbourhood over the coming days.

Festivities across the North-East and North Yorkshire range from children's parties and line-dancing events to exhibitions of Royal memorabilia and fancy dress parades. Parties run from today right through to next weekend.

Religious services include a jubilee evensong service at 3.30pm on Sunday, at Durham Cathedral led by the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend John Arnold, and featuring a sermon read by the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull.

* While we have made every effort to ensure the details are accurate, it is advisable to check with organisers before setting off.

TOMORROW

COXHOE: Noon to 4pm. At park next to Coxhoe Leisure Centre and Kids Zone, Coxhoe, near Durham City, A Family Picnic in the Park, featuring music and entertainment for all ages, organised by the village hall, parish council and Coxhoe Community Partnership.

DURHAM CITY: 7.30pm. Durham Royal Air Forces Association Club, Crossgate, Durham, jubilee party for past and present RAFA members, families and friends.

MEDOMSLEY: 2.30pm. A giant marquee has been erected in the grounds of Bishop Ian Ramsey School field to accommodate events over the course of the weekend. There will be table top sale with tables available on demand, and joint church service.

NEWCASTLE: 11am to 11.45am. Jubilee parade by 2,000 people from the communities of Newcastle, from the Civic Centre to King's Walk, Percy Street, Blackett Street, Northumberland Street, Northumberland Road and John Dobson Street.

USHAW MOOR: 11am to 5pm. Deerness Valley Comprehensive School, Ushaw Moor. Family fun day for people in the Lower Deerness Valley area. Admission free. Followed at 7pm by barbecue and disco, at cricket field at Ushaw Moor. Free admission.

SUNDAY

DURHAM: 3.30pm, Durham Cathedral. Jubilee evensong service led by the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend John Arnold, and featuring a sermon read by the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull.

Lanchester: 6pm. Lanchester Band will perform on the village green at the Lanchester and Burnhope Golden Jubilee Service. In the event of poor weather the service will be held in the parish church.

MEDOMSLEY: From 2pm until 4.30pm. It's a Knockout competition in a marquee in the grounds of Bishop Ian Ramsey School. Teams of four will compete. Call (01207) 562983 to book a team.

NEW HERRINGTON: 11am until 5pm. The Square Route Residents' Group has organised Golden Jubilee festivities on New Herrington Green, between Lanton Street and Fenton Terrace. There will be a fun fair, face-painting, a magician, green woodworking, children's crafts, a brass band and wild flower painting.

SPRINGWELL VILLAGE: 3pm. Thanksgiving service followed by a faith tea in Springwell Village Church.

WEST RAINTON: 10.45am. Thanksgiving service at St Mary's Church, West Rainton.

MONDAY

CASTLETOWN: 2pm. Jubilee garden party at Northview Lodge Care Home, Castletown, Sunderland, for residents and the local community.

CHESTER-LE-STREET: Residents at Alpine Court, a cul-de-sac off Merry Road, will hold a street party. There will be food, games and music during the day for families, and drinks and sandwiches at night for adults.

DURHAM CITY: 10am to 4.30pm. dli - formerly the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery - Aykley Heads, Durham City, holds a jubilee picnic. Free admission.

DURHAM CITY: 11.30am to 2.30pm. Market Place. Teddy bear's parachute jump (£1 entry) and, from 10am to 4pm, city treasure hunt (entry £2.50). Proceeds going to St Cuthbert's Hospice.

LANGLEY PARK: 11.30am to 5pm. Residents of Hazelwood Court will hold a street party, including barbecue, children's fancy dress and slow bicycle race.

MEDOMSLEY: Bishop Ian Ramsey School will host a picnic on the school field where participants take their own food with tables and chairs provided. It will include a bonny baby competition, dog show, traditional stalls, and craft stalls. On Monday evening there will be a golden years party with music from each of the Queen's 50 years on the throne, a quiz, 24ft beacon-lighting, fireworks display and music from a 1950s-style crooner.

METROCENTRE: 1pm. Exhibition Square. Teddy bear's picnic celebrating 100 years of the teddy bear. Performances by the MetroGnomes, 11am, 3pm, 5pm. Admission free.

SPRINGWELL VILLAGE: Springwell Village Hall is hosting a children's party, free to village children. For further details ring 0191-416 2630.

SUNDERLAND: Noon to 4pm. Fullwell Mill, Newcastle Road. Special jubilee opening. For details call 0191-516 9770.

TANTOBIE: 1.30pm. Tantobie Charities host a jubilee carnival at Tantobie Playing Fields, South View. A carnival bus runs between Tanfield, Tantobie, White-le-Head, Flint Hill, and the carnival site. Entrance is free, with a small gift to each child. Attractions include Sacriston Brass Band, a dog show, Irish dancing, line-dancing, a carnival king and queen, bouncy castles, fancy dress. At 6pm there will be a children's disco at Tantobie Community Centre. Tickets cost 50p. It will be followed at 7pm by a social evening with live entertainment. Tickets cost £3. Call (01207) 299756 for more details.

WHITBURN: 11am to 5pm. Souter Lighthouse. Relive the flavours of the 1950s in Souter's Tea Room. Admission free. For details call 0191-529 3161.