TWO towns got in the jubilee spirit with community lunches at the weekend.

Letchworth GC and Baldock both held a Big Jubilee Lunch event, where residents were invited to bring picnics and celebrate Her Majesty’s 60th year together.

Hundreds of people joined in for the Letchworth Big Lunch on Saturday at Howard Park and Gardens from noon until 4pm, helping raise money for the Herts MS Therapy Centre which is based in the town.

The Rotary Club of Letchworth Garden City organised the free event in conjunction with Love Letchworth.

Club president Nigel Downes said: “The sun didn’t really come out for the duration but I think it was very much a success. The combination of the live music, the traditional games that we put on and the classic cars worked really well. It was a success and it’s something we will think about doing again in the future.”

Almost 400 people turned out for the Baldock Big Lunch on Sunday from noon to 4pm with fish and chips, roasted meat and a barbecue on offer in the High Street and Indian and Italian to enjoy in Whitehorse Street. There was also free face painting, live music and a bouncy castle.

“It chucked it down all day long and everyone huddled together to get under cover but they seemed liked they were having a good time,” said Baldock town centre manager Murray Fastier, who organises the annual event.

“All the food was really good under trying conditions and everyone handled it very well.”

Celebrations were also held in both towns as residents put on street parties in spite of the poor weather.

About 200 people turned out for a party at Howard Drive and Howard Wood in Letchworth GC on Sunday, while the road was closed in Ashbourne Close on Monday as neighbours from 11 months to 99 years enjoyed a barbecue, quizzes, singing, dancing, races and games.

A similar party attracting around 100 residents took place in Rowan Crescent on the same day, while pupils from Norton St Nicholas Primary School received prizes on Saturday from Sainsbury’s in Letchworth GC after the store ran a bunting design competition.

There was also a royal occasion in Ashwell on Sunday as some famous faces turned up at the recreation ground for a day of activities including an Ashwell’s Got Talent contest.

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