HAS there ever been a party quite like it? Occasionally, an event takes place which stirs the emotions in a way which is quite unforgettable.

Last night's Party at the Palace - a spectacular, colourful climax to a weekend of golden jubilee celebrations - was one such occasion.

More than 12,000 lucky people can say they were there - inside the grounds of Buckingham Palace - to see some of the greats of the music world perform: Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, Cliff Richard, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins, and Tony Bennett to name just a few.

And, outside, an estimated one million people gathered in The Mall and surrounding parks to enjoy an extravaganza guaranteed to make anyone who witnessed it proud to be British.

Not since Live Aid nearly 20 years ago has there been a gathering of such legendary musical talents, culminating with Sir Paul McCartney performing classics such as All You Need Is Love and Hey Jude.

Yes, some of the performers have seen better days. But their music catered for a generation and brought back priceless memories for millions watching worldwide.

The Royal Family has had to endure difficult times in recent years. Mistakes have been made and it has had to change with the times to respond to waning popularity.

But the past few days have breathed new life into the monarchy and confirmed beyond doubt a public appetite for the special traditions which it represents.

The sight of Buckingham Palace lit up with the giant figures 1952-2002 as fireworks glittered above the London skyline was truly wonderful.

As one of the comperes, Ben Elton, remarked - if there was a World Cup for popular music, we would win it every time.

And if there was a prize for getting into the party spirit, we'd be hard to beat too.

Prince Charles in paying tribute to his mother - 'Your Majesty...Mummy' - told how the occasion, with all the talent on show, had made him proud to be British.

And so say all of us.