ONE of the biggest street parties in the county was held in Hitchin.

Hundreds of people packed into Lancaster Avenue and Lancaster Road on Saturday to celebrate the diamond jubilee.

There was a barbecue, bouncy castle, live music, and races.

One couple even marked their wedding, which was on that day, at the party.

Rebecca Kelly, chairman of the roads’ street party organising committee, said: “We had a fantastic event last year for the Royal Wedding and had such a good time that we wanted this year’s celebration to build on the community feel that has been growing throughout the year.

“The street party turned out to be a superb way to celebrate such a great occasion. We were delighted that so many people came out and enjoyed the day.”

Another big street party was held in Browning Drive, with 94 people and 37 houses joining in.

There was a jubilee Olympics, face painting, and a street raffle, as well as food, drink and music.

In Bearton Green, gazebos and marquees were put off to shelter from the rain, and as well as a number of activities, a raffle was held to raise money for the neo-natal intensive care unit and Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

In Little Wymondley, a picnic by the sea event was held to mark the jubilee. The event was organised by the parish council.

Marjorie McCarley said: “Yes, the rain came down and the umbrellas went up - but so did the bunting and so did the spirits of everyone.”

Town centre celebrations featured live music from Yer Blues Band, Lily Norman, Tony Phillips and Hitchin Light Orchestra as well as food and drink on the Market Place on Monday.

Then on Tuesday, a seaside themed event with a steel band and Punch and Judy show took place along the riverside. It was hosted by Hitchin Markets.

Town centre manager Keith Hoskins said: “We were quite lucky, as we managed to dodge most of the showers.

“On Tuesday, the market seemed to be quite busy and the Punch and Judy was popular.”