Brit revellers toast the Queen on first night of Platinum Jubilee bank holiday after picnic-perfect 22C scorcher

REVELLERS raised a glass to toast the Queen on the first night of the four-day Jubilee bonanza as temperatures reached a glorious 22C.

Brits up and down the country celebrated the monarch on day one of the celebrations - as a scorching mini-heatwave arrived.

And while the day began with cake and tea at street parties, it's ended with dancing on pavements in city centres as party-goers made the most of the long weekend.

Jubilant supporters lined The Mall in London from the early hours of this morning to secure a front-row spot for Trooping the Colour.

Many were snapped clinking glasses of prosecco at the crack of dawn as they waited for the royals to arrive.

But as the day wore on - and celebratory Champagne flowed - many hit the town.

During the early afternoon, groups of friends draped in England flags and dressed as Beefeaters filed into pubs and bars across Leeds.

Others went for a less imperial approach in lifeguard, cheerleader and even Shrek costumes.

The party began to heat up as the evening arrived - and by midnight, groups of friends were seen lifting aloft pints in the streets as they enjoyed the break from work.

Boozy punters painted the town red, white and blue during the revelry.

A staggering 100 million pints are expected to be knocked back over the next four days - a major boost to the hospitality sector.

Many brands have brought out Jubilee-themed drinks and merch to help Brits make the most of the special celebrations.

La Gioiosa Prosecco has released a Jubilee-themed Rosé in connection with Brit designer Yvonne Ellen.

With a special label giving a nod to the Queen and Buckingham palace,

And Aldi has slashed the price of fizz just in time for the weekend.

It comes as pubs and clubs are staying open until 1am for the special long weekend.

A huge range of events took place on Thursday to kick off the big weekend.

In London, the big-ticket draw was Trooping the Colour. The historic ceremony which marked the start of four days of celebrations.

More than 1,500 soldiers and officers, as well as 250 Household Division horses, put on an epic display near Buckingham Palace.

The Queen was seen beaming as she waved to royal fans from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

But for many, Prince Louis was the star of the show.

The celebrations come as...

• Prince George was joined by his adorable brother and sister for the parade
• Arrests were made after idiot protesters stormed the Mall
• The Queen called on the nation to create 'happy memories'
• Meghan Markle reunited with the royals as she appeared on the balcony on Horse Guards Parade
• Prince Louis stole the show as he jumped up and down with joy at the Red Arrows
• Prince Andrew was missing from the event as he has tested positive for Covid
• London filled with well-wishers and tens of thousands throng The Mall
• Her Majesty lit the Jubilee beacon - after revealing she will not attend tomorrow's service of thanksgiving

As the Red Arrows roared overhead, he was seen covering his ears and closing his eyes tight shut.

Mum Kate quickly stepped in as he pulled faces at the crowds below - but burst out laughing at his antics.

Later on, the Queen lit the Jubilee beacon at Windsor Castle. She smiled once again for Brits, despite the sad news that she won't be attending Friday's service of thanksgiving at St Paul's.

Officials say she suffered some discomfort during the festivities and will step back from celebrations tomorrow.

Brits are sure to carry on the party in her honour as another beautiful day beckons.

The mercury climbed to a balmy 22C in south-eastern England on Thursday, with temperatures in the high teens and mid-20s elsewhere.

And the warm weather will continue into Friday when Brits will bask in scorching 26C heat.

However, sun-worshippers are urged to make the most of it.

The Met Office is mulling a possible warning for thunderstorms ahead of the concert on Saturday night, and some forecasters are predicting a deluge for the last day of the weekend.