In pictures: A look back on the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations a week on
It's hard to believe it has already been a week since the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations kicked off in West Berkshire.
The district really got into the party spirit with more than 60 street parties taking place, as homes were festooned with bunting and people enjoyed dancing in the streets.
In both Newbury and Thatcham, a proclamation was made with Newbury town crier Brian Sylvester ringing the bell and commencing celebrations on the Thursday.
The proclamation in Newbury was held in the Market Place with Thatcham’s in the Broadway, with Thatcham mayor Jeff Brooks in attendance.
A huge community event in Newbury’s Victoria Park then really got the party started with singing groups – Sing for Fun, VoxFresh, VoxSonix and Rock Choir – entertaining the crowds.
Hundreds of families and friends came together to picnic in the park and enjoy the music, while a children’s funfair was also on hand to entertain the little ones.
A corgi called George was also there to soak up the atmosphere as the town started its celebrations.
Lindsey, from Newbury, who was enjoying the event in the park with her friend Hilary, said: “We live locally and we wanted to see what was happening. We’re very impressed.
“The choir is great and it’s a good event for us all. We wanted to be part of what’s going on for the Jubilee.”
Kathrine, who lives in Stockholm, had come over to Newbury to spend the weekend celebrating in the town.
“It’s fantastic, so much fun,” she said. “It’s really, really important to be here. It’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
“It’s wonderful to see everyone coming together to celebrate. It’s very special.”
Her mother Dee added: “I am thrilled that my daughter came from Stockholm to be here and my goddaughter and my very good friend came from London to Newbury to be here to join in the Jubilee celebrations. We’re thoroughly enjoying it.”
Carol, who was also enjoying the celebrations in the park, was full of praise for the Queen.
She said: “It’s absolutely wonderful. I think she is a remarkable woman. Just think – 70 years without putting one foot out of place. She’s been absolutely magnificent.”
Kat Penn, who runs singing groups VoxFresh and VoxSonix, said the thought of being involved in a community jubilee event had been “really exciting”.
“For the younger singers, it’s just so exciting to be part of a really big national thing that they’re never going to see again,” she added. “It’s an exciting thing to be part of.”
At 9.30pm hundreds more people joined the crowds – and Newbury mayor Gary Norman and Mr Sylvester – as the town’s beacon was lit in the centre of the boating lake.
Light filled the skies in Thatcham as fireworks followed the town's beacon lighting.
Performers showed off an array of varied talent with stilt walkers, dancers, and choirs taking to the Dunstan Green park for the bank holiday.
Mayor of Thatcham Jeff Brooks said the event was terrific, noting the sense of community he felt during the four day celebration.
The beacon lighting itself was followed by a six-minute firework display, which was choreographed to music presented by UK Fireworks.
Thatcham-based Dance with Sonia Brown put on a performance with her over 50s group, dressed head to toe in blue, red and white.
In Hungerford a Jubilee picnic was held on the Croft Green on Sunday.
There was a food and artisan market, as well as a tug of war, races and make and bake competitions.
Town mayor Helen Simpson said: “Hungerford certainly knows how to celebrate. I was thrilled to see an amazing turnout for both events, held to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“Rain was forecast, but this didn’t stop several hundred residents from attending both events.
“I’d like to thank the Jubilee committee and all the groups and organisations who helped make the weekend a success.”
