By James Broadhurst

Last updated at 09:24, Monday, 04 June 2012

Diamong Jubilee fever was widespread across west Cumbria as communities came together to celebrate the 60-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

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And, as the Queen enjoyed the Epsom Derby on Saturday and the Thames Pageant yesterday, families and friends joined in the festivities by throwing their own royal celebrations.

Some royal fans went all-out by decorating their homes in Union Flags bunting, wearing mock king and queen outfits and playing royal-themed party games.

There was a mix of community celebrations and in some places there were the more intimate street parties.

In the small village of Bridgefoot the community spirit was in full flow on Saturday, with a huge marquee. There was a fancy dress parade with chocolate medals and certificates for the best adult, boy and girl costumes. There was also a bouncy castle, BBQ, a magician and evening disco.

Jean McCartney, 61, of Scots Croft, Bridgefoot, said: “This is the first major thing we have done in the village since the Silver Jubilee. It’s taken some organising but it’s absolutely worth it.”

Jennifer Hall, 67, of Little Clifton, was there with her two grandchildren from London, Oliver Dower, four and Jamie-Lei Adams, seven-months. She said: “For a little village it’s fantastic.”

Meanwhile, St Paul’s Church in Seaton held a summer jubilee fair. The highlight of the fair was the vicar, the Rev Ian Grainger, putting himself in the stocks and allowing people to throw wet sponges at him.

He said: “It’s brilliant. There are lots of people here and the good weather has helped. Everyone is having a really good time.”

In Great Clifton, the village hall was decorated with flags and bunting, there were long tables for party food and everyone played games.

The parish council were handing out jubilee medals to every child in the village up to the age of 16.

David Owens, 48, Stoneycroft, Great Clifton, said: “The whole idea of the jubilee is to bring communities and families together.”

Yesterday, Keswick held a jubilee celebration in the market place. There was a big screen TV with live streaming from the Thames Pageant, exotic food stalls, including ostrich and kangaroo burgers, and live music.

There was also a portrait of the Queen made from 2,450 pictures from around Keswick.

In Cockermouth, long tables were set up on both sides of the pavement on Market Place and there was entertainment from stilt walkers and a community drumming band.

Nicky Agnew, 41, Mountain View, Cockermouth, said: “It’s a lovely day out with friends and family.”

Kelly Street and Charters Close in Workington held a joint street party after Andrea Nicholson, of Kelly Street, won £250 worth of party food from Iceland. She said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant. I have got to know some of the people I didn’t know that well.”

First published at 09:13, Monday, 04 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk