Rain fails to dampen spirits at Jubilee street party

Alderley Edge residents defied the dreadful weather yesterday and came together to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Hours of planning and preparations had been put into the 'Alderley Edge Big Picnic Lunch' and London Road was closed for the day to allow local residents to get together for one big party on the street.

Tables were placed down the road and those determined not to let the rain dampen their spirits came armed with gazebos and brollies to enjoy their picnic lunch. Whilst others took shelter in the restaurants, shops and doorways.

Imagine FM broadcast live from the village and the children were entertained by Dazzle the Clown and face painters.

The stage was too wet for The Toni James Band perform on but determined to entertain the party-goers they performed their sets just inside Costa Coffee, whilst those still up for a party danced in the rain.

Parish Councillor Melanie Connor, who organised the event, said "There is nothing we can do about the rain but it was fantastic to see such great community spirit.

"Everyone seemed to have fun, and The Toni James Band, Dazzle the Clown and of course, the great Imagine FM really made it.

"I am really pleased that local restaurants and retailers could be involved, it's just a pity the rain stopped their big plans."

To mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee an exhibition about Alderley Edge at the time of the Queen's Coronation was on display at The Parade.

The fascinating exhibition was compiled from various sources around the village but mainly from the Alderley History Group. It was displayed by members of the group, namely Harold and Margaret Smith, Mandy Parr and Festival Hall Manager Ashley Comiskey-Dawson.

The exhibition showed all aspects of Alderley life in the 1950s, including shops, businesses, cricket club, flower club, Rose Queen parades, St Philip & St James Church and pantomimes at the Methodist Church.

Mandy Parr said "Many villagers commented on how it brought back many memories especially the photos of coronation party in 1953 when it clearly did not rain!

"We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the display."

The persistent rain was such a shame, particularly given the glorious sunshine we enjoyed last week but we certainly had a great day and now the Parish Council have shown we can close the road and party wouldn't it be lovely if we could do it again - in the sunshine!

Cllr Connor added "Thanks must be given to Ashley for all his admin and dealing with me, to everyone who turned out on such an awful morning and helped us set up and take down. It was greatly appreciated.

"I walked through the village this morning and was so surprised at how clean it was - thanks to those who litter picked in the rain."

If you went along to yesterday's Alderley Edge Big Picnic Lunch do share your thoughts on the day via the comment box below.

Click 'next photo' above to view a selection of pictures taken at the street party, or play the slideshow.

If you have any photos from the day which you would like to share please email them to [email protected].

Tags:
Diamond Jubilee, Parish Council
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Michelle Muller
Tuesday 5th June 2012 at 5:08 pm
Many thanks to Melanie and everyone else involved in the organisation of the Big Picnic Lunch. It may have been raining but it failed to 'rain on our parade'!!! Fantastic day and I hope to see more events of this nature in the future as it does bring the whole the community together. Once again, thank you!
Kay Sumner
Wednesday 6th June 2012 at 9:03 am
We had a fantastic time, despite the rain. Many thanks to all the hard work that was put into this event by the organisors. It was much appreciated.
Judy O'Brien
Wednesday 6th June 2012 at 1:26 pm
Many congratulations to the organisers, it was a brilliant event, despite the weather. Yes, let's look forward to supporting a similar big community event .. hopefully next time it will be a dry and sunny day!
Paul Welton
Wednesday 6th June 2012 at 4:35 pm
Its so nice to see our Village enjoying the street party ,For the Queens Diamond Jubilee. I would also like to thank Melonie Connor Mary and Stef Maczkowiak and Ashley for the hard work putting up the tables and chairs in all that rain . A big thanku
Sue Jenkins
Wednesday 6th June 2012 at 5:44 pm
What a fantastic day. It went so quickly, with everyone laughing and having a good time despite the weather. It's what you make of it and the people of Alderley went with the intention of enjoying themselves. Thankyou to all who made it such a great occasion.
Karen Slavin
Thursday 7th June 2012 at 11:17 am
I too would like to say a huge thank you to the organisers of the Alderley Edge high street party. We had an absolutely wonderful time celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in the middle of our village high street. Much laughter, singing, as well as food and drink, meeting up with friends and also making new ones! Community spirit at its best - in spite of the weather.