PARTY spirit overcame early downpours in Hereford as thousands of people converged on the city's King George V Playing Fields to celebrate on Mon-day.

About £15,000 worth of fireworks exploding in the night sky above Hereford Cathedral was a thrilling finale for young and old alike. The cannon-like booms shook surrounding houses and lit-up the sky in reds, greens and golds for what seemed like 20 minutes.

"It is really wonderful to see everyone out of their houses and having such a good time together as a community," said 24-year-old party-goer, Sarah Potter of Hereford.

Earlier in the evening a 1,500 capacity marquee was full to brimming for Pub Idol - an alternative to Pop Idol - where amateur singers, nominated by city pubs, battled it out for a chance to spend a day in the Classic Gold Radio recording studio.

All the contestants were given rousing receptions by a family-orientated crowd who danced along to every song. Children sat on top of fathers' shoulders while others ran back and forth between the marquee and the fairground-like atmosphere outside.

Like the Queen's celebrations going on in London, the party south of the Wye was kept at fever pitch by a string of pop classics, supplied by Classic Gold DJ, Big Rich Edwards.

Organiser of the Golden Jubilee party, Hereford City Partner-ship, was thrilled with the mass turnout over Jubilee Monday.

In spite of a wet start, optimistically referred to as 'clearing-up showers' by organisers, Herefordians converged on High Town in large numbers through the morning to enjoy a relaxed family atmosphere.

Hundreds gathered around a purpose-built stage to watch music acts, supplied by BBC Hereord and Worcester and local charity Music Pool, which spanned every generation from 1950s jive and swing to rap and break dancing.

Although bursts of rain had some of the audience scurrying for cover, others chose to tough it out and dance in the rain to acts like Maria Vincent and the Millionaires, Take Five and The Fire Choir.

Goodwill in the air in Hereford was encapsu-lated by volunteers who supplied a hungry, and sometimes wet, public with complimentary teas and cakes.