FAMILIES in Harwood are dusting off their union flags and getting ready to throw the biggest Golden Jubilee and Commonwealth Games bash in Bolton.

Hundreds of people are expected at the Harwood Vale Court street party on June 14 to celebrate the Queen's 50-year reign and the Commonwealth Games.

The town is already topping the league of people partying -- putting the rest of the country to shame.

And when a group of residents began discussing what a great time was had for the Silver Jubilee 25 years ago, they decided they did not want to miss out this time.

The children will dress in costumes they have made from around the world, the area's best cooks will rustle up a wide range of dishes for Commonwealth food tasting and there will be a bouncy castle, endless stalls and other entertainment.

It will be opened by the mayor, who, if re-elected on May 2, will be Councillor John Walsh, followed by a gymnastics display from pupils from St Brendan's Primary School.

Organiser Marie Sandlands says everyone is getting excited and it will be a fantastic learning experience for all the children.

"We originally decided just to have a party for the Jubilee, but it just grew.

"It is a huge task but we are getting there now. It has really brought the community together.

"A lot of people are putting money from their own pockets into this party and we want as many people as possible to come."

All money raised on the day will go to charities to help the homeless.

Bolton Council has made a grant of £5,000 available for groups to hold Jubilee parties. Each can get up to £200. So far, 72 applications have been submitted and approved. Grants of up to £1,000 are available to those who want to hold Commonwealth Games celebrations.