Bradford’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations got off to a sizzling start at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Al-Mahdi Mosque.

Overlooking the whole of the city from its lofty location in Rees Way, Undercliffe, the mosque welcomed its members and neighbours to a family fun day and feast.

The Mosque started its jubilee celebrations early when some of its members raised about £10,000 for the Queen’s chosen charities taking part in a 10km walk from the Tower of London.

Dr Mohammed Iqbal, who is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association’s Bradford North President, said: ”We believe good things should be celebrated and the Queen is an excellent example of that.”

Special prayers were also said for the Queen and copies of a book called A Gift Four Our Queen written by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association’s founder for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee were reprinted and sent to Buckingham Palace to keep up the long historial link with the Royal family, said Dr Iqbal.

Musicians gathered at the Castle pub (below) in the city centre to mark the Queen’s past 60 years in song with plenty of jubilee ale brewed by Keighley’s Goose Eye Brewery.

More than 200 people in the Beacon Road area of Wibsey met up for a street party in Thorncroft Road enjoying live bands and singers – and plenty of food.

Beacon Road Community Church also got involved and they held a mock coronation ceremony with a young king and queen – they also lit a gas beacon in the Queen’s honour.

One of the organisers Ann Goodwin said: “It’s been fab, absolutely magic. The sun shone for us and more than 200 people have had a wonderful time. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Locals at the Chapel House pub in Low Moor tucked into a hog roast and Britpop band The Substitutes took to the stage while in Wyke there was a massive turnout to its fun day on the village green.

Free flags, tea-towels and pens were handed out as souvenirs and there were constant queues at the face painting stall from 12noon until the late afternoon.

The celebration was planned by Wyke Village Society and the Christian Fellowship with support from local councillors and local businesses including the Khyber House Restuarant and Asda.

One of the organisers Stan Burston said: “We have had a wonderful afternoon. The turnout was magnificent. It’s been a real team effort from everyone involved in organising the day. It’s been brilliant.”

Thornton lit its beacon last night as part of its celebrations – it was one of more than 30 official beacons lit across West Yorkshire to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee – around the world there were more than 4,000 lit in sequence.

Earlier in the day Thornton Scout Group got together with Thornton Community Partnership to put on activities on Hill Top Recreation Ground.

Steve Preston, of Thornton Scout Group, said: “It’s been really positive, great to see so many smiling faces, families all dressed up in red, white and blue and the weather’s been kind to us. It’s all thanks to everyone from the community who has helped make it possible.”