A SPECTACULAR flotilla of brightly decorated boats will sail through Worcester this weekend to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.

Around 90 boats of all shapes and sizes will set sail from South Quay at around 1pm on Saturday, June 11 and will glide down to Diglis before returning to North Quay.

The flotilla, launched by canon fire and Olympic rower Zac Purchase MBE, is set to be the centrepiece in the city's royal celebrations.

Spectators will be entertained by a wakeboard show outside Browns Restaurant from 11.45am and during the flotilla, local bands will perform on the river banks, adding to the party atmosphere.

Dominic O'Loghlin, captain of the Worcester Rowing Club, said: "This should be an amazing never to be seen again spectacular for the city. The event will include boats of all sizes from rowing boats and canoes through to dragon boats and river cruisers.

"As an extra special treat for spectators, there will be a wake board show on the river by Browns Restaurant at 11.45am."

The Hive will also host a variety of entertainment from 2pm until 5pm on Saturday, including musical performances, a special celebratory film, royal story time and limited edition cakes.

Members of Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra and Link Top Notes, a recorder consort, will perform throughout the afternoon.

There will be plenty of activities for children too, with royal story times, royal craft activities and the opportunity to dress up as a King or Queen for the afternoon.

There will even be a chance to go down in history and record a 90 second film about what the Queen means to you.

Limited edition royal cupcakes and afternoon tea fit for a Queen will be on sale for the afternoon in the Café at The Hive.

The Lord Lieutenant, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, said: "This weekend shows Worcestershire coming together to celebrate Her Majesty's 90th Birthday. There really is something for all ages and it promises to be a most enjoyable weekend."

For a timetable of events visit worcestershire.gov.uk/QueenWorcs