In our village we really celebrated the Platinum Jubilee. We went to town with a street party, a procession through the village, a concert in the church plus food and festivities. It was an opportunity to get together and enjoy where we live and with those we live with.
How we started
The celebration kicked off with a traditional village fair held at the picturesque Podington Cricket Green. The fairgrounds were adorned with Union Jack bunting and jubilee-themed decorations, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere. Local vendors set up stalls offering a variety of goods. There were handmade crafts and jewellery and delicious homemade cakes and preserves. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. Residents and visitors alike tucked into the culinary delights, including classic British fish and chips, ploughman’s lunches, and an assortment of teas and cakes.
Bake-Off
A highlight of the fair was the Jubilee Bake-Off competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from the village’s bakers. Tables were laden with an impressive display of cakes, tarts, and pastries, each more elaborate than the last. The competition was fierce. The winning entry—a beautifully decorated Victoria sponge cake adorned with edible crowns and flowers—was a crowd favourite.
The village green also hosted a series of traditional games and activities for children and adults. Sack races, egg-and-spoon races, and tug-of-war contests brought out the competitive spirit among the villagers, while a bouncy castle and face painting kept the younger attendees entertained. The sound of laughter and cheers echoed through the village, creating a lively ambiance.
Church Concert
In the afternoon, the festivities moved to St. Mary’s Church for a special jubilee service. The church, with its historic architecture and serene surroundings, provided a perfect setting for the community to come together. The service included hymns, readings, and a heartfelt sermon reflecting on the Queen’s dedication and service to the nation. The church choir, made up of local residents, delivered a moving performance that added a touch of solemnity and reverence to the occasion.
As the day progressed, attention turned to the grand parade through the village streets. The parade featured a variety of floats, each representing different aspects of British culture and history. Decorated with flowers, flags, and jubilee emblems, the floats were a visual feast. Participants dressed in period costumes, from medieval knights to Victorian ladies, added a historical touch to the parade. The sight of children dressed as mini-royals waving enthusiastically to the crowd brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
The day concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. As the night sky lit up with bursts of colour, the crowd gathered to witness the dazzling show. The fireworks, synchronized to patriotic music, provided a fitting finale to a day filled with celebration and community spirit. The display was a poignant reminder of the unity and pride that the Platinum Jubilee inspired across the nation.
The Platinum Jubilee festivities in Podington were more than just a celebration of the Queen’s reign; they were a celebration of community, heritage, and the shared values that bind the village together. The event brought residents of all ages together in a spirit of joy and camaraderie, creating lasting memories and reinforcing the strong sense of identity and belonging that defines Podington.
