ALRESFORD was awash with decoration this weekend as the town marked the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in style.
There were street parties and celebrations galore as residents clubbed together to paint the town red, white and blue.
Hundreds of people set up for a big picnic at Arlebury Park on Saturday, with several sporting their best royal fancy dress complete with Union Jack face paint.
A host of carnival games, competitions and activities were on offer for the younger attendees, while many of the adults raised a glass to Her Majesties' 70th anniversary on the throne.
In what was a touch of class from the organisers, a big screen at the front of the field displayed memorable moments from the monarch's long-lasting reign alongside pictures from the weekend's festivities in the capital.
Sally and Edwin Bentley said: “It’s lovely to come together as a community. We’ve been in Alresford for five years and aside the watercress festival, which we loved, everything else has been either rained off or cancelled due to Covid. Alresford is a brilliant place to live and days like today are really special. The queen is amazing, it’s a shame she hasn’t been able to enjoy all the celebrations but at least she’s made it to see 70 years on the throne. She’s kept her dignity throughout.”
On Sunday, scores of residents carried on the revelry closer to home as street parties took place in Corfe Close, Haig Road and Rosebery Road.
Despite forecasts of rain initially threatening to dampen proceedings the weather largely held firm.
In Rosebery Road, families enjoyed street games, a BBQ and plenty of homemade cake as neighbours mingled for the first time since Covid.
Erik Hughes, who has lived in Rosebery Road for four years, said: "We had talked about potentially having a street party and it sort of gathered pace from there - everybody pitched in and made some cakes or bought some decorations. What with Covid we hadn't actually seen an awful lot of each other over the past three years or so, so it is a good excuse to get everyone together - not that we need one!"
Chief organisers and husband and wife team, Kate and Alasdair Mayes, said: "We booked the road closure but it was all a big team effort really, everybody contributed something. We've been here for 13 years and it's a street where lots of people know each other and we all get along so the jubilee celebrations have been a great opportunity to meet neighbours old and new and mark the occasion."
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