Hollywood celebrates Queen's jubliee

Hollywood was today staging its own celebration of the Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee with a grand ball attended by a mix of politicians, ex-pats and actors.

Oscar-winner Jon Voight and Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart were among those invited to the black tie event at a top Los Angeles hotel.

The sell-out ball, at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, was aimed at giving the British community in Los Angeles the chance to celebrate and pay tribute to the Queen’s 50 years on the throne.

The hotel, made famous as the setting for the film Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, hosted a similar celebration when the Queen celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1977.

The grand ball has been organised by The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Committee of Los Angeles which is made up of British groups in the area.

These include the British American Business Council of Los Angeles, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles and the British Consulate-General.

The evening was to include a champagne reception, opening ceremony, dinner, dancing and entertainment from The Street Corner Symphony Band.

The event was also featuring a Scottish pipe band and a Welsh choir which will sing the National Anthems.

Peter Hunt, the British Consul-General, was leading the toasts to the Queen.

He said: ‘‘I congratulate the Committee on putting together what promises to be a truly memorable and enjoyable evening. One not to miss.’’

Deborah Damask, director of public relations at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, said: ‘‘It’s going to be as really fun and exciting event.

‘‘We have a lot of big events with celebrities and performers of worldwide acclaim at the hotel and this will be another one of our fabulous events.’’