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The Diamond Jubilee and a very British Street Party

It was a big four-day weekend here in the UK as Britons the land over celebrated our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.   I went back to the town where I grew up to celebrate with family, friends and neighbours at something the British do best; a good old-fashioned Street Party.  The flags fluttered, heaps of bunting was strung across the streets and even the sun came out for a while.  Let me share with you a very special day…

Jubilee Street PartyEverybody made a huge effort to decorate their homes for the occasion – there were many Union flags, but Ireland, India, Canada, Poland and Australia were all represented too, emphasising our modern, multi-cultural society. Jubilee Bunting The corgis watch the comings and goings at number 32…

Street partyBefore setting up the tables we moved our cars from the road – it looks so much bigger without them and probably much as it would have looked when it was originally built, although the houses are now painted in pretty pastel colours.

The Victorian cottages on the south side of the street have a plaque naming the terrace ‘Coronation Cottages 1902’ – so were built around the time of the coronation of Edward VII – how fitting!

People began to gather and the tables started to fill with mountains of delicious food – I made a cheese, tomato and basil Quiche and Jubilee themed cup cakes!  This shot looks down the road towards ‘The Green’ where the local cricket team play and where the children had egg and spoon races and a fancy dress competition during the afternoon.

street partyScrumptious food, Pimms and clever homemade table decorations adorned the tables while rousing patriotic music, the Beatles and Brit Pop helped set the scene and added to the Jubiliciouness of it all – Cool Britannia.  There was even a gigantic tea urn.
Jubilee Bake OffLet them eat cake – the Jubilee bake-off was a sure-fire hit!

Jubilee Street PartyThe Home Guard – A local ‘Character’ arrived banging his big bass drum

The party in full swing.

It was lovely to see the young, elderly, newcomers to the street and long-standing neighbours of different ethnicities and backgrounds making some very happy memories together. We enjoyed a wonderful day – not only did we celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years on the throne but we embraced our community and our Britishness.    And, no, it didn’t rain!

Travelbunny Trips in 2012 | the travelbunny

Thursday 27th of December 2012

[...] also saw the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in all its jubiliciousness and we were lucky to celebrate without getting rained on. I also met the [...]

Tricia A. Mitchell

Thursday 7th of June 2012

How fun - the berry cake looks divine!

restlessjo

Thursday 7th of June 2012

Whereabouts was it Suze? Not in Brighton? Love the corgis at 32! Aren't people wonderfully creative with their cakes and table decorations? Lovely to see.

Travelbunny

Thursday 7th of June 2012

It was in my home town which is about five miles from Brighton :D

Riika Finch

Thursday 7th of June 2012

Wow, looks fantastic! xx

Travelbunny

Thursday 7th of June 2012

Thanks Riika - I think we were luckier than you with the weather! xx

Kathryn

Thursday 7th of June 2012

Neighbours barely say hello to each other in many streets these days in Britain so it is particularly wonderful to see your street sharing such a lovely day.

Travelbunny

Thursday 7th of June 2012

It is a very special little street!

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