Children lit stars to attend Queen's Tea Party

A national ballot for youngsters wanting to attend a star-studded children's party at Buckingham Palace to mark the Queen's 80th birthday is due to open.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the magical teenage wizard in the hit films, will be among those at the event on Sunday June 25.

The Queen is hosting the tea party in the Palace gardens to celebrate Britain's favourite children's stories.

Much loved characters from both traditional and more modern books will be there such as Tracy Beaker, Paddington Bear, Mowgli, Winnie the Pooh and the Gruffalo.

All children living in the UK aged between four and 14 are invited to apply for tickets through a national ballot by logging on to the CBBC website.

Buckingham Palace is due to release further details of the party, which will feature a colourful entertainment show in the evening which will be broadcast live on the BBC.

A Palace spokeswoman said: "The Children's Party at the Palace will be a celebration of British children's literature, both traditional and modern, which we hope will encourage children to read and enjoy books.

"The day will also focus on the family and the key role that grandparents and parents, relatives and friends can play in shaping a child's love of books through the favourite stories that families pass down through generations. We hope this day will encourage children to explore new worlds through the characters and their stories."

Other events taking place this year to mark the Queen's milestone birthday include a National Service of Thanksgiving on June 15 at St Paul's Cathedral. On the same day, she will tuck into a special lunch - with the menu chosen by members of the public in a poll as part of a BBC television programme.

The Queen will celebrate her official birthday with the annual Trooping the Colour parade on June 17. She will spend her actual birthday on April 21 at Windsor Castle and the Prince of Wales will host a family dinner in her honour in the evening. Charles is said to be planning a televised address to be shown ahead of the occasion.

© Copyright Press Association Ltd 2006, All Rights Reserved.

source: http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=163662006