Marlborough’s Platinum Jubilee High Street Party – an afternoon to remember

A day to remember, one that will stay long in the memory of Marlborough residents who spent a relaxed and very enjoyable afternoon in the High Street. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee High Street Party on Thursday 2 June will be reminisced to grandkids and generations to come long into the future.

A day when Marlborough came together. Excellently conceived, planned and executed by the Town Council team, the staff, the volunteers, those that set everything up and removed it all quickly and with minimum fuss.

Marlborough’s High Street became a mass of red, white and blue as thousands gathered under the warm sunshine and bunting to enjoy the Platinum Jubilee street party and entertainment.

Presented here are a series of galleries of pics from the day. Some superb aerial drone pics (courtesy of Gavin James) that shows how the High Street was transformed from its normal status of ‘through traffic and parking’, into a big picnic, party and play area with a stage for bands to entertain.

A greater and more marked transformation even than the Mop Fairs as every table, chair, barrier and bit of stage needed to be bought in and quickly placed at the right point so that everyone could enjoy the day. But it happened, smoothly and seamlessly and every one of the estimated ‘5,000 people’ (thanks, Karen Gardner of BBC Radio Wiltshire) had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, one that will be talked about in the years to come.

With the road only closing at 10 am the Town Council employees and volunteers had worked hard to set up the tables in time for the 2pm start. Marlborough choral Society opened proceedings by leading the singing of the National Anthem. Following the Town Crier’s announcement, Mayor Lisa Farrell welcomed everyone and the party began.

There was music from bands – Marcella and Barrelhouse, stilt walkers, balloon modelling and children’s activities. Karen Gardner from BBC Radio Wiltshire was compère.

A fancy dress parade touring the High Street included many kings and queens and members of the Royal Guard. Many took the opportunity to view Marlborough from above with Town Hall balcony selfies and St Peter’s church tower tours.

100 Platinum guests from Marlborough’s care homes and retirement complexes sat down to a special Platinum afternoon tea in the centre of the High Street. This was organised by the Jubilee Centre’s Anne Hancock (Manager), Sally Wolfenden (Chair) and their team of volunteers with cakes provided by The Polly, Waitrose and Rick Stein. Tesco provided tea, coffee and milk and Waitrose the sandwiches.

An oak tree, donated by Brook and Sally Johnson, was planted by Mayor Lisa Farrell in the Priory Gardens as part of the Queen’s Canopy, watched by families enjoying picnics in the shade and the tranquillity of the gardens.