Some 20,000 people from the UK and the Commonwealth gathered for the Golden Jubilee pageant in London on Tuesday - a colourful climax to a long weekend of celebrations.
As they prepared to parade before the Queen, BBC News Online talked to just a few of those who contributed to the eclectic spectacle.
"I think everyone's surprised to see a pipe band made up purely of Indians, but we've been around in London since 1972. We do play Scottish music, but we also play Bollywood tunes if we have an Asian audience. If it's American tourists we usually do Yankee Doodle Dandy." - Vinod Pindolia (pictured top right)
"We are Ndebele women from Southern Africa. We came to London specially to be in the parade. We are not sad that the weather is not warmer - it's better for us as our costumes can get quite hot." - Isa Nkabini (pictured centre)
"These are the girls of the Watford Chinese Association. They take lessons in Chinese dance after school and every Sunday. They are so excited to be here. Although our dances have a long tradition, today's will be more modern and will express cheerfulness and happiness." - Mrs Kim
"The pearly kings and queens are here representing the Commonwealth - I'm not sure which country people think we're from. It's not only buttons on my costume - I've got a Blue Peter badge too. We went on the show and sang Knees Up, Mother Brown." - Doreen Golding, Pearly Queen of the Old Kent Road
"We were only told we were going to be in the parade two weeks ago. We've been practising hard. We are all very excited to be representing Sri Lanka." - Jinadasanividhigala
"We practise gatka - a Sikh martial art which uses an array of 15 weapons. We say a prayer before beginning, asking that we might use them in a righteous cause. It also ensures that we are 100% psyched up - some weapons are very sharp and you have to get used to cuts, bruises and stabs." - Uptej Singh
"The parade isn't long, but some of these drums are heavy. We've drummed for the kings and queens of Ghana and been in a procession in Dijon, but we've never done anything like this in London - where we are based. It's cool" - Charles James
"I think we've got a good group together to represent the Pacific Cultural Association. It's a big day from us. Being here gives us a presence and shows we're loyal. We're going to make the most of it." - Ray Hanisi (pictured top left)
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