Classical singer Katherine Jenkins kick-started Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebration on Saturday (02Jun12) by performing for the royal.

The Welsh star belted out Britain's National Anthem, God Save The Queen, at Epsom Derby horse race in England at the first major event of the weekend's festivities to mark the monarch's 60-year reign.

Crowds of well-wishers waving Union Jack flags cheered as the Queen was accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, in a royal motorcade across the world-famous racecourse.

She was also treated to a display by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, and a performance by the Army's parachute team, the Red Devils.

Gun salutes were also held in London, Edinburgh in Scotland; Cardiff in Wales and Belfast, Northern Ireland on the anniversary of the Queen's coronation in 1953.

The celebrations also include a star-studded concert in front of Buckingham Palace, featuring Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney, as well as a boat pageant on the River Thames, while thousands of street parties and outdoor fairs are being staged across the U.K. for the Jubilee.