Cold and disappointingly damp in London for the great Jubilee river pageant

It's cold and disappointingly damp in London for the great Jubilee river pageant today, in contrast to the recent heatwave.

The sun is slowly coming out in the rest of the country, and it does seems that the worst of the rain has abated over night, but it's all looking a bit British, with wind levels increasing.

Nonetheless the river banks in central London are starting to attract some crowds, but it seems organizers may struggle to hit the million mark, unless the sun comes out soon.

Organisers remain upbeat despite rain and drizzle being forecast for most of the day, with Pageant Master Adrian Evans declaring preparations were in hand.

Mr Evans said: "There is some rain around, but it has not dampened any spirits.

"We in Britain are experts at not letting the weather spoil our fun. The London Philharmonic Orchestra will be playing Singing In The Rain as they travel down the river, and the crowd can sing along with them.

"We are all set to have one of the most spectacular pieces of river theatre that London, and the world, has ever seen. Excitement is building, and everything is ready."

The pageant gets underway at 3pm UK time.

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Tom SykesEuropean Editor at Large

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