The finale for the special jubilee bank holiday may have ended with rainy skies, but that failed to dampen the spirits as hundreds of street parties celebrated Her Majesty's reign.
Despite the afternoon rain, residents of the aptly named Jubilee Road, Poole, came together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with food and even a version of the national anthem.
Paying tribute to Her Majesty, resident Jeff Williams said: “She is an exceptional human being who has done a great job for 70 years and I totally respect her.”
Trudy Guy, who organised the road closure, said: “It has been lovely as it has brought the whole road together.”
Meanwhile in Lilliput, residents from more than 160 households attended a gathering, with copious amounts of prosecco and a delicious hog roast on offer.
Peter Dobson, chairman of the committee which organised the event, said: “It's just wonderful that we can celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a good community spirit.”
In Christchurch, Walcott Avenue neighbours congregated for a lively event with music, food and games – and even a birthday song for two-year-old Lottie Pamela.
Organiser Joyce McNicholl said the neighbours all got to know each other as they clapped for the NHS during the lockdown
Elsewhere in Fairfield, Bargates, Emily Houghton said it was a great way to get to know neighbours, adding: “I did a leaflet drop to see if anyone would be interested and when everyone realised we would all be there it all came together.”
Residents of Twynham Avenue braved the late afternoon rain, with a robust toast to Her Majesty and belted out the National Anthem during their afternoon festivities.
Meg Brockway, who organised the street party, said the event had solidified relationships built in lockdown.
A ‘Big Jubilee Lunch’ was held in Wimborne Minster.
Organiser Tracy Williams said: “The idea was to just bring a bit of life into the town to celebrate the jubilee.
“We're hoping that people will get up and have a dance later and the mayor is here.”
Organiser of Merley Community Party, 17-year-old Carly Carter, said: “I run Dorset Treats, a business which does parties and balloon displays for the community.
“I thought it would be nice to do a community event for the jubilee.
“I fundraised all the money through a GoFundMe page and we’re going to do a raffle to hopefully make up the rest.”
In Ringwood, a ‘Party in the Park’ took place with bouncy castles, a circus and competitions for children. Charmaine Bennett, event organiser, said: “It has been six months in the planning.
“Considering the weather, it has been a really good day.”
Councillor Rae Frederick added: “This is Ringwood – Ringwood comes together at special events, and they make it happen. I’m just so glad to be a part of it.”
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