A borough village is delighted that their coronation celebrations were a great success, drawing hundreds of visitors to the event.
The Waltham St Lawrence Coronation Parade And Party began with the village band leading a colourful procession of children on floats, and ponies.
The parade started at the village war memorial and ended at the parish’s Neville Hall, where a village tea party was held.
Organiser John Kiss, said:” It was a wonderful day.
“Lots of people came, and everyone enjoyed it, children and adults alike.
“We’ve had so many positive comments from the community on our Facebook page.”
The weather held throughout the afternoon’s events.
“I joked that it might rain on the King’s parade, but not on ours,” added Mr Kiss.
Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band, played as they led the procession.
Behind them were two trailers, filled with children in fancy dress, clothed as kings, queens and ‘Charlies’.
“Around 120 excited youngsters were on the trailers, wearing boaters and waving Union Flags,” said Mr Kiss.
“They just loved it.”
One trailer was drawn by a 4X4 vehicle.
“The other was pulled by one of the biggest tractors I’ve seen, it was huge,” said Mr Kiss.
Also taking part in the parade were 10 ponies from nearby pony clubs, one pulling a pony trap and a child passenger.
Then the community gathered for a village party in the Neville Hall.
Children were able to enjoy an inflatable slide, crown making, and snake and lizard handling, in the forecourt of a neighbouring local farm, while across the green, the village pub, The Bell, opened its doors for afternoon refreshments.
“It was such a lovely villagey day,” said Mr Kiss.
“So many people helped to make this happen.
“Cakes were baked by 50 volunteers, with another 45 making sandwiches.
“A team of 10 young men helped to put up the marquee, and lots of people volunteered to tidy up after the event.
“Around 150 people helped to make this community celebration such a success.”
Mr Kiss was assisted by a team of six organisers.
“I had a fantastic team of six women, who were brilliant, organised and proactive.
“They made it all so much easier.
“My thanks go to them, to all the volunteers, and to everyone in the community who helped make the day such a success.”
