JUBILEE celebrations have been going on up and down the land as well as in London.
Bristol is leading the way in street parties with more road closures applied for than any other city outside the capital.
Today, the city’s Millennium Square was transformed with Union Jacks and other colourful flags as people gathered for the Big Lunch event organised as part of the Big Jubilee Lunch, which involves thousands of meals being shared across the country.
Young and old have joined together for a royal knees up that includes a “make your own corgi” attraction.
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In true British fashion people have dug out their striped deckchairs and decorated tables with Union Jacks ready to tuck into jubilee-themed cupcakes, sandwiches and sausage rolls.
Light rain did little to dampen their enjoyment of the day as they watched events in London on a big screen.
Lucy Harrington, 36, from Easton, Bristol, said she had come prepared as she sheltered under a patriotic umbrella. “A little rain doesn’t hurt,” she said. “It’s a brilliant atmosphere and there’s a really good turn out and I think everybody is just having loads of fun.”
Friends Jade Townsend, 11, from Southville, Bristol and Danni Haskins, 14, from Redcliffe, Bristol, were dressed from head to toe in red, white and blue - including face paint and Union Jacks on their
fingernails.
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And six-year-old Erin Martin, from Brentry, also got into the jubilee spirit, sporting a Union Jack themed hat adorned with pictures of the Queen. Asked what she thought about the Queen’s 60-years on the throne, she
simply said: “It means she’s a very good Queen.”
Erin was attending the Big Lunch with her mother, Shelley, who added: “We just wanted to enjoy the atmosphere of the jubilee amongst everyone else.”
The celebrations outside the science centre At-Bristol included a brass band playing
songs from the past 60 years and a rival “royal” flotilla - although on a somewhat smaller scale than the one in London.
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“We’re making our own corgis, making boats, making crowns - just lots of activities for the whole family,” said Katy Nehammer, from At-Bristol. “We thought this morning, with the rain, we wouldn’t get so many people,
but we’ve actually been non-stop.
“I think we are actually realising what the Queen means to us. Maybe people don’t think about it very often and take it for granted, but having this opportunity to celebrate together is really lovely and we get to acknowledge all of the things she has done over the decades.”
Simon Cook, leader of Bristol city council, said: “It is great news that so many residents and families across the city are celebrating the jubilee in style with street parties, reinforcing our reputation as the street party capital of Britain.
“Combined with the exciting programme of organised events in the city, it should be a very special weekend in Bristol.”