The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant just broke a world record for London!

The fleet of over 419 boats (expected to be over 1000 by the end of the attempt) took the record for the world’s largest parade of boats, beating the previous record of 327 boats in Germany in April 2011. To break the record, the boats had to maintain a minimum distance of 2 boat lengths and cover a minimum of 2 miles – the route actually covered 7 miles.

This is the 16th record London has broken this year, only 4 more to go to hit the goal of 20.

The flotilla sailed past cheering crowds, miles of bunting, historic London buildings, a gun salute from the Tower of London and one of the horses from War Horse.

A boat on the Thames is one of the best ways to see London, so start practicing your royal wave and hop on a London river boat, canal boat or speedboat!

You’ll see bunting, flags and special displays everywhere, and by the weekend London will be festooned with colour and buzzing with a festive atmosphere that will be remembered for generations. The capital has a long tradition of making a magnificent effort for Jubilee celebrations – check out this photograph of Selfridges preparing for George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935.

We’ve put together a gallery of some of our favourite Diamond Jubilee decorations so far, but if you’ve spotted other great displays around town please let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to stock up on Jubilee merchandise if you’re planning your own celebration!