Stevenage and North Herts: Celebrations fit for a king!

At Giles Nursery and Infants' School in Stevenage on Friday, pupils shared picnics in the school grounds and took part in a wide range of activities throughout the day.

The nursery children made their own crowns. (Image: Courtesy of Rouane Mendel)

Rapper Vincent Bramble - known as Vincenzo - even wrote A King's Rap for the school, teaching each class the song. On Friday, he led a whole-school performance of it.

Stevenage rapper Vincenzo led the entire school in a rendition of A King's Rap. (Image: Courtesy of Rouane Mendel)

Headteacher Rouane Mendel said: "It felt very special at the school as all the children together performed with enormous gusto and musicality some coronation songs, including A King’s Rap.

"All the children had a fabulous day, engaging in activities ranging from face-painting, 'musical thrones' and pin the jewel on the crown, to a coronation photo booth, royal tattoos and face glitter.

"It was a truly memorable day in the school."

More than 20,000 people of all ages enjoyed a wide range of family entertainment at the Coronation Big Lunch in Letchworth on Sunday, ranging from stilt walkers, bubble makers and face painters to Stevenage Football Club, Morris dancers and Showtime Circus.

Children enjoyed all the fun of fairground rides. (Image: Courtesy of Richard Harbon)

Everyone embraced the coronation celebrations. (Image: Courtesy of Richard Harbon)

Musicians, dancers and singers on two stages entertained the crowds as they ate their lunch from town centre shops and stalls.

The Army Cadets were just brilliant with their hard work and support, said Love Letchworth BID manager Richard Harbon. (Image: Courtesy of Richard Harbon)

There was entertainment for people of all ages. (Image: Courtesy of Richard Harbon)

Organised by Love Letchworth, in partnership with Pink Bear Events, the day's highlight was the coronation parade, led by the vice chair of North Herts Council, Daniel Allen. Winding its way through the big crowds, the parade reflected the diversity of local culture, but also included many favourites, such as a dragon tamer, cartoon characters, children's dance troupes and a magician.

Some well-known characters joined in the parade. (Image: Courtesy of Richard Harbon)

Even a minion joined in the celebrations. (Image: Courtesy of Richard Harbon)

Love Letchworth BID manager, Richard Harbon, said: "What an absolutely amazing day! Seeing so many people of all ages having a fantastic time in our beautiful garden city was just brilliant. We wanted the day to be a celebration of not just the coronation, but of the wonderful community we have in Letchworth."

The parade aimed to reflect the diversity of local culture. (Image: Courtesy of Richard Harbon)

The parade included an eclectic mix of people and props. (Image: Courtesy of Richard Harbon)

First Garden Cities Homes (FGCH) marked the coronation by hosting a free celebratory event for 90 people from the community at Letchworth’s Broadway Hotel.

The celebration was part of FGCH's sustained effort to combat loneliness and social isolation in the local community.

Guests enjoyed traditional afternoon tea. (Image: FGCH)

Sue Williams, FGCH’s community engagement officer, said: "Thanks to a generous award from the National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to offer the event to Letchworth’s over-55s for free. All 90 tickets were snapped up within a matter of days."

The Broadway ballroom was decked with coronation-themed balloons and many guests got into the spirit of the occasion by dressing in red, white and blue.

Many guests enjoyed a spot of dancing. (Image: FGCH)

Guests enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea, and singer Billy Lee's rendition of classic hits by the likes of Elvis, Cliff Richard and Tom Jones got plenty of people on the dance floor.

Manchester Close in Stevenage pulled out all the stops with a street party fit for a King.

Stevenage Mayor Margaret Notley joined residents for the festivities on Sunday, which were organised by a committee of nine people.

One organiser, Les Keen, said: “The party was steered through the many hours of the street party lifetime, by Andy (Mr H Promotions).

“He kept the many streets party attendees dancing, playing games and Bingo, in the street until around 7pm. The feedback from the attendees was very positive – plus, we were blessed with excellent weather virtually all day.”

Thanks are given to committee members Brian and Michelle Searle, Brian and Cheryl Wilson, Andy Mr H promotions, Iain and Jacqueline Peddie, Tina Shackell and Les Keen.