Six bands representing all seven decades of the Queen’s reign performed in Elms Field on Jubilee Saturday – and the town partied on.
From rock n roll to the present day, all genres of music were represented.
The show kicked off with the sound of the 50s, courtesy of Peggy Sue & The Jukebox.
That was followed by some of the greatest Motown hits, thanks to the Midnight Soul Sisters.
The 70s was represented by a tribute to Bob Marley and the Wailers, Trenchtown Experience. The band performed all of the Wailers’ greatest hits and encouraged the audience to join in.
Well and truly warmed up, by the time Supersonic Queen took to the stage the dancing shoes were on, and the crowds took to their feet as classics such as We Are The Champions and I Want To Break Free were heard.
Spice! Celebrated all things Girl Power, and the audience wholeheartedly joined on the singing of top tunes including Mama, Wannabe, and Say You’ll Be There.
The evening closed with everyone on their feet for Fully Funktional, playing 21st century musical hits.
The event wasn’t just about the music. MoreArts and Wokingham Libraries organised a craft tent for younger visitors, who could also enjoy the antics of Circus Scene.
A number of food stalls did a roaring trade, with many putting up sold out signs.
And Elusive Brewing offered people the chance to try its beers.
Thousands flocked to Elms Field for the event, which replaced this year’s international street concert and was the first time that the field had been used in this way.
Judging from the success of the evening, it won’t be the last.
Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Maria Gee one of those in attendance.
“It’s been really emotional seeing everybody together after such a terrible two years,” she said.
“It’s just been brilliant – that community spirit, people enjoying themselves in groups, all ages have been here.
“It’s been the most amazing time.”
Highlights for Cllr Gee included seeing families together, but also the signers who ensured the show was inclusive by signing each song for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“I think, even if you don’t do sign language, their enjoyment of all the songs and everything, it just carried over into the crowd, it was so brilliant.”
The event was organised by Wokingham Town Council, and Cllr Gee was full of praise for the staff who made the event happen.
“They have worked so hard to get this done,” she said. “They work hard on behalf of the council all the time, but almost all of them were here today in one form another, tidying up, or showing people where to go, or welcoming people to the field.
“They were just amazing, working so hard – thank you.”
More pictures from the Platinum Jubilee Party in the Park will be in Thursday’s special souvenir issue of Wokingham Today – place a regular order with your newsagent
Are you celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this weekend?
Holding a street party? A right royal knees-up?
If so, send in your photos for the chance to feature in our special jubilee edition available on Thursday, June 9.
Please email your photos to [email protected]
