Sixty years in the making. A year stocking up on barbecue essentials. And a last-minute panic this week to scoop up bunting.

Phew, the Jubilee celebrations are kicking off and, yes, it has felt like a two-month-long Christmas Eve.

But finally the vast majority of people, both here and nationally, have embraced its sentiment – that it’s all about us.

Because if there’s one thing the Queen can do better than anyone else – and that includes World Cups and X-Factor finals – it’s bring the country together.

As fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood said last week: “The Queen is social cement.”

So now it really is starting, let’s make the most of it.

It’s about Britain. Great Britain. And all of us who have helped define the last 60 amazing years.

Yes, times are tough, but that’s all the more reason why we should hoot and cheer and stamp our feet, not only this weekend but for the whole of the next few months.

Because the Jubilee, the Olympics, they’re not only history-in-the-making, they’re history condensed.

So why miss the party?

We’re all on the guest list...