Pint sized: Kylie Minogue took to the stage in a leather jacket decorated in pearl buttons in honour of the traditional working class London culture
As the Queen sat down in the Royal box to watch a musical extravaganza in her honour, she may have raised an eyebrow at some of the racy outfits on show. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert, which was held outside Buckingham Palace, turned into a fashion show as a number of artists took to the stage. Leading the way was the queen of pop Kylie Minogue, who paid homage to London in her own special way, tonight. The pint-sized singer dressed up as a pearly queen but chose to wear a rather short dress instead of the traditional longer length option. The 44-year-old Australian looked great in the outfit with a black leather jacket which had been lined with large pearl buttons and a matching hat. As she belted out some of her classic songs the heat of the stage lights obviously got too much for her and she removed the heavy coat.
Spinning around: Kylie looked great in her pearly outfit and although it showed some skin, it wasn't as revealing as some other costumes
Put your hands up: Kylie entertained around 12,000 fans at Buckingham Palace, The Mall, London
Strutting around the stage in her specially made play-suit, the former Neighbours star was full of confidence supported by her special backing dancers. Britain's Got Talent finalists Flawless body-popped and flipped around while she continued her performance. As twitter users became vocal about her costume, one of her followers was particularly pleased with the outfit.
The Voice: Jessie gave a strong vocal performance but lost out in the fashion stakes to Kylie's trendy pearl outfit
The mentors: Jessie and will.i.am took to the stage together and sang I've Gotta Feeling, before she performed Domino
Comedian Alan Carr said: '@kylieminogue awesome as a pearly queen! Thank god she's not got the red hankie in her back pocket - how do you explain that to her Maj?' Jessie J couldn't compete with the Spinning Around singer but she tried her best to look good in an attention grabbing frock. The Voice mentor gave a memorable performance alongside will.i.am but he stage costume was the centre of attention.
Living legend: Grace Jones surprised viewers with her revealing costume with featured a large red head dress and an open front dress
She wore a blue and black dress which featured a thigh high split along the left hand side of it and blue feathers. Amazed with her performance and the gravity of the occasion, she said: 'A moment I will NEVER forget. WOW. #queenjubilee The uk know how to party! Thousands of flags :O overwhelmed x'.(sic) The most risque dress was undoubtedly worn by Jamaican-born singer Grace Jones, who wore a red and black body and a bizarre head dress.
By Royal appointment: Cheryl Cole posed up for a snap for Royal guards in uniform which was tweeted
She was one of the most highly-anticipated acts of the night and Cheryl Cole certainly seemed to enjoy rubbing shoulders with the Royal Family and their entourage at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert tonight. The 28-year-old singer was seen dressed in her glamorous gown as she posed up to a group military men in full red coat uniform outside Buckingham Palace. And after dazzling during the concert performing a track with Gary Barlow, Cheryl found herself centre stage right next to Her Majesty as Prince Charles gave a speech to close the concert. Early in the day Cheryl was seen beaming as she stood with a group of guards in their bright road coats with some of the party sporting their bearskin hats. One guard appeared to make the most of the opportunity to be close to pop's hottest star and was seen slinking his arm around her waist.
Great positioning: Cheryl Cole found herself next to Her Majesty as Prince Charles gave a speech to close the concert
Simply stunning! Cheryl Cole donned an elegant strapless gown with a huge fishtail skirt as she took to the stage with Gary Barlow at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert The Geordie beauty didn't seem to mind though and was seen smiling broadly into the camera with her hand on her hip to best show off her dress. The Call My Name star displayed smokey eyes and nude lips and her her hair was pulled back into a pony tail.
Belting it out: Both Gary and Cheryl put all their effort into the performance
While she kept her neck bare Cheryl wore a pair of shining large circular earrings and a chunky cuff on her wrist. To her credit Cheryl performed live alongside Gary but it seemed they used echoing and backing music to make her voice a little less prominent. And while she put on a good show there were several notes slightly off key, which did not go completely unnoticed by viewers.
Taking a bow: After their performance the duo were seen grinning from ear to ear
Cheryl did however appear to impress Prince Harry and Prince William who were seen beamed as they watched the show from the Royal box. Even Kate Middleton, who is formally Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, was seen smiling and waving her flag along to the song. Sadly The Queen missed Cheryl and Gary's efforts and didn't arrive until mid way through the show.
Prince Charles paid a tribute to 'Mummy' ons tage at Buckingham Palace after a momentous concert featuring some of the world's leading musicians - such as Paul McCartney, Sir Tom Jones and Elton John - in the background
Prince Charles gave a warm, emotional and often witty speech in praise of his mother at the close of the Diamond Jubilee Concert. Just his opening word – ‘Mummy’ – earned him rapturous cheers from the crowd as the Queen, dressed in a gold lame gown dotted with crystals, looked on plainly delighted. The pair, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, had minutes earlier made their way down to the stage encircling the Queen Victorial Memorial, to a standing ovation. Celebrities including Kylie Minogue and Cheryl Cole jostled to stand as close to the royal party as possible. The prince gently warmed his audience up by making a joke about the terrible weather for Sunday’s river pageant. ‘If I may say so, thank God it turned out fine!’ he said.
Gary Barlow of Take That, who organised the concert, shares a word with Her Majesty as Shirley Bassey, right, and Cheryl Cole, far left, lead the applause
He also made a poignant reference to the Duke of Edinburgh who was in hospital, just a few miles away. ‘The only sad thing about tonight is that my father cannot be here with us because, unfortunately, he’s been taken unwell.’ And he added to tumultuous applause: ‘If we shout loud enough he might just be able to hear us in hospital.’ Turning to his mother, he paid tribute to ‘the life and service of a very special person’ (although he appeared to make a mistake when he referred to her being 26 when she acceeded to the throne. In fact she was 25.) Charles told the Queen: ‘A Diamond Jubilee is a unique and special event, some of us have had the joy of celebrating three jubilees with you, and I have the medals to prove it.
Blazing glory: Crowds stand in The Mall as they watch fireworks rain down above the The Diamond Jubilee Concert stage
‘And we're now celebrating the life and service of a very special person, over the last 60 years. ‘I was three when my grandfather George VI died and suddenly, unexpectedly, you and my father's lives were irrevocably changed when you were only 26. ‘So as a nation this is our opportunity to thank you and my father for always being there for us. ‘For inspiring us with your selfless duty and service and for making us proud to be British.’ At this point there were huge cheers from the crowds and many members of the Royal Family applauded, including the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
Red, white and very blue: The epic finale to the concert lit up the sky
The prince went to say how proud the jubilee celebrations had made the country at a time when so many were suffering from ‘hardship and difficulty’ and paid tribute to the members of the public lining the banks of the Thames on Sunday in the wind and the rain. As he drew to a close, he led the audience in giving three cheers for the Queen, before kissing her hand affectionately and adding: ‘So Your Majesty we offer you our humble duty and with it three resounding cheers for our Majesty The Queen!’ Sir Paul McCartney, who was closing the concert with three songs, wished the Duke well, saying: 'We all send our best wishes for a speedy recovery. I hear he's not too bad.' Take That star Robbie Williams opened the show by belting out one of his biggest hits, the aptly-named Let Me Entertain You.
Dazzling display: An incredible scne as orange fireworks clash beautifully with the purple of the stage
Union Flags line the Mall as thousands of dancing fans gear up for the big climax to the show
Performers from the present generation also appeared on stage - Will.i.am Jessie J, JLS and Ed Sheeran. But it was the veterans Sir Cliff Richard and Sir Tom Jones who got the crowds on their feet with renditions of classic songs from their repertoire. Organisers said days before the concert that the Queen would take her seat at around 9pm. She arrived wearing a stunning cocktail dress of gold lame designed by Angela Kelly under a dark cape. The dress had sweeping trimmings of antique gold lace and deep olive, and was adorned with Swarovski crystals.
Pomp and cricumstance: Union Flags as far as the eye can see as the concert draws to a close and royals take to the stage
Gary Barlow had said he was performing with a very special guest and Cheryl Cole certainly didn't disappoint in the style stakes as she stepped out on stage at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert tonight. The 28-year-old looked effortlessly elegant in a strapless black gown by Polish designer Ewa Minge, which boasted a bodice covered in sequins, a velvet trim and ended with a dramatic layered white and black fishtail. Cheryl and Gary performed a special, and moving, rendition of Need You Now to the 12,000-strong crowd that had gathered to celebrate outside Buckingham Palace. It appeared that Cheryl impressed Prince Harry and Prince William who were seen beamed as they watched the show from the Royal box.
An event 60 years in the making: Images of The Queen throughout her reign were projected onto Buckingham Palace
Even Kate Middleton, who is formally Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, was seen smiling and waving her flag along to the song. The duo led the best of British talent performing alongside the biggest names of music including Sir Tom Jones, Sir Elton John, Dame Shirley Bassey to name just a few. There was also plenty of help from stars around the Commonwealth including the likes of Kylie Minogue, Will.i.am and Grace Jones.
Paying tribute: Sir Paul told the Queen: 'May I congratulate Your Majesty on 60 fantastic years'
Inside the Palace: The projections also appeared to open up the palace as if it were a dolls house
Doping Britain proud: The setting of the concert was a spectacle in itself and the weather held out to turn into a fine evening to celebrate The Queen's 60 years on the throne
In the mood to celebrate! Large crowds thoroughly enjoyed the three and a quarter hour concert
Think pink: Sir Elton John was dressed in a sparkling bright pink coat and a black suit and a pair of black trousers as he performed Your Song and dedicated it to the Queen
What a talent: Stevie Wonder sang a special Happy Birthday song for The Queen and Will.i.am also joined him on stage
Get your hands in the air! Robbie looked dapper in his military-inspired outfit with his initials embellished on his cuffs. The singer told the audience to throw their hands in the air
With Buckingham Palace providing a stunning backdrop Robbie made a dramatic entrance surrounded by military band players. The singer had donned his own military-style jacket in navy with his initials embellished in gold on his cuffs. Following his performance Robbie saluted the Royal box where the family sat with the best view of the proceedings.
Simply stunning! Cheryl Cole donned an elegant strapless gown with a huge fishtail skirt as she took to the stage with Gary Barlow at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert
Cheryl's a hit! Prince William and Harry were seen beaming while Kate waved her flag with plenty of enthusiasm
Getting into it: Garry was seen dancing around the stage as Cheryl belted out notes to the song
Double trouble: The Voice judges Will.i.am and Jessie J performed the Black Eyed Peas song I Gotta Feeling and were decked out in red white and blue
Rocking around: Sir Cliff Richard took to the stage in a dusty pink suit whit a diamante tie as he showed off his best moves
What a spectacle! 12,000 people made their way outside Buckingham Palace and hordes were seen watching the show on the big screens
The guest of honour, The Queen arrived mid-way through the show and was escorted to her seat by the help of Prince Charles and Camilla. Her husband Prince Phillip was hospitalized earlier in the day due to a bladder infection so that could have been the reason for her late arrival. Lenny Henry introduced Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and said: 'You just missed Tom Jones,' before pointing up to the palace and adding 'I mean you live just there'.
A song for the moment: Cliff Richard performed his 1968 song Congratulations but said it was written for this very moment
As unusual as ever: Grace Jones didn't disappoint with her outfit and took to the stage in a black and red outfit and she was seen hula-hooping as she sang
Feeling the love: Boy band JLS took to the stage to sing their hit track Everybody in Love
By royal appointment: The singers took to the elaborate stage with Buckingham providing a spectacular backdrop
Can't get you out of one's head: The Australian star belted out her biggest hits
Fairytale palaces: Two of the incredible castles created for the annual 'Zandsculpturen' festival. 40 sand artists from across the globe have gathered on the Belgian coast to create a spectacular sand village
These spectacular castles have been built as part of the world's biggest sand sculpture festival. Around 40 'sand artists' from around the world attended the Sand Sculpture Festival on the beach of Blankenberge in Belgium. Over 10,000 tonnes of sand was used to create the amazing 'sand village' as part of the festival's 20th anniversary. The festival, which runs until the end of the month, has a fairytale theme and includes magestic castles and enchanting palaces as well as a host of comic book favourites. A spokesman said: 'This year the Sand Sculpture Festival in Blankenberge will bring to life fairytales by the Brothers Grimm and Walt Disney, as well as the magical stories of Charles Dickens and J.K. Rowling and so many other famous tales from the world of myths and legends.
Sand smurf: Belgian cartoon favourites the smurfs are recreated in amazing detail for one of the exhibits. An incredible 10,000 tons of sand were needed for this project, which is the biggest festival of that kind in the world
'Not only will all the best-known and best-loved fairy tales be on show, but also great legends and fables from the four corners of the earth, which will allow you to relive that magical days of yesteryear." Visitors can take walk-through tours of the sand village where other comic book favourites such as Tintin and the Smurfs are also on display.
Detail: Comic book hero Tintin and his faithful companions Captain Haddock and Snowy the dog draw the crowds at the festival in Blankenberge, Belgium
The sand of make believe: This year's Zandsculpturen festival has a fairytales and cartoons theme
Goofy: The Disney favourite is one of the exhibitions on show at the festival. The event is part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for Eurodisney Paris
Record breaker: The event, which will run until the end of the month is officially the biggest sand sculpture festival in the world
Sleeping beauty: 40 of the world's top sand artists from across the globe to create the amazing spectacle
Photocall: Visitors pose for a picture in front of one of the amazing sand castles
Breathtaking: Another amazingly intricate sculpture on show at the Belgium festival
Who needs an Oscar: Jennifer Aniston finally landed a major film prize after winning best on-screen dirtbag at the MTV Movie awards tonight
It is certainly not the first description that springs to mind of Jennifer Anison. But the evergreen actress won the best on-screen dirtbag award at this year's MTV Movie Awards for her performance as a sex crazed dentist in Horrible Bosses. She managed to beat off her co-star Colin Farrell to take the award, who was nominated for his turn as psychologically unstable Bobby Pellitt. Jennifer, 43, is the first person to win the award which was introduced this year to celebrate the silver screen's most cringe-worthy characters. She told the crowd: 'I mean, do you know how long I have tried to have somebody let me unleash my on-screen dirtbag? A really long time. 'And thank God this category just popped up. 'So I would like to say "thank you" to the television show 'Friends' for letting me unleash the inner sweetheart and here's to [director] Seth Gordon for allowing me to be a dirtbag.'
Savouring the moment: Jennifer was as pleased as punch after receiving her gong at the popular show
Jennifer faced some stiff competition for the prize, but her display as Dr Julia Harris in the film, in which she memorably ate a banana while in her underwear, was enough to see her home. The other contenders for the award was Bryce Dallas Howard for her turn as racist Miss Hilly in The Help, Kristen Wiig's repellent friend with benefits Jon Hamm in Bridesmaids and Project X party boy Oliver Cooper. And there was also a moment of drama before Jennifer went on stage to receive her golden popcorn award.
Famous moment: Her character Dr Julia Harris provocatively eating a banana in Horrible Bosses
After emerging to announce the nominees an audience member heckled a shocked Mila Kunis. Luckily her butch fellow presenter Mark Wahlberg stepped in, saying: 'And here I thought I was going to have to slap Russell.' The dynamic duo then shrugged the incident off and got onto the serious business of presenting their award.
Uncomfortable: Mark Wahlberg stepped in to defend Mila Kunis' honour after she was heckled
Pint sized: Kylie Minogue took to the stage in a leather jacket decorated in pearl buttons in honour of the traditional working class London culture
Spinning around: Kylie looked great in her pearly outfit and although it showed some skin, it wasn't as revealing as some other costumes
Put your hands up: Kylie entertained around 12,000 fans at Buckingham Palace, The Mall, London
The Voice: Jessie gave a strong vocal performance but lost out in the fashion stakes to Kylie's trendy pearl outfit
The mentors: Jessie and will.i.am took to the stage together and sang I've Gotta Feeling, before she performed Domino
Living legend: Grace Jones surprised viewers with her revealing costume with featured a large red head dress and an open front dress
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