A gem of a party

Photo: Anthony Miller

CHADDY the Owl (left) takes on the opposition in the great Jubilee mascot race — one of many fun-filled events during the Yorkshire Street party. Check our ‘buy a phot’ tab for many more of Tony Miller’s pictures from the party

Oldham celebrates the Diamond Jubilee with some fun!
THERE was no stopping Oldham partygoers as Jubilee celebrations came to Yorkshire Street.

With the sun finally making an appearance, the street party drew in crowds of Oldhamers keen to experience good old British fun.

A sea of smiling faces filled the street: some people dressed top-to-toe in red, white and blue and flying the flag with pride.

Bunting was draped from each side of the road and shop fronts were covered in colour –courtesy of artwork from primary school youngsters.

Music brought a touch of carnival atmosphere to the party, prompting young and old to dance in the street.

Patriotic pint-puller Caroline Devanzo, landlady at the Squire Knott, organised the street event after pulling in the punters last year for the royal wedding.

She said: “It was such a good day last year, this was another perfect opportunity to get everyone together. I’ve loved it, it’s brilliant to get everyone out and about; there are so many different people here.

“Everybody has been getting into the Jubilee spirit and talking about street parties, so it’s great to make it a reality. We’ve got a lot of families out here celebrating, and that’s great to see.”

Children skipped with excitement as they played traditional street games, or played the coconut shy, threw wet sponges or went on fairground rides.

Oldham Air Cadets added class to the proceedings with rousing brass band numbers, while vintage cars lined the pavements.

Revellers didn’t go hungry either; a sizzling barbecue and cake stalls proved a hit — as did the mascot race that saw Chaddy the Owl up against really wild contenders as they charged down the centre of the closed-off street.

And Her Majesty even made an appearance — at least as a cardboard cut-out perched at the bus stop!


READ more jubilee stories only in our print and eChron editions Today’s Chronicle is a special Jubilee edition with lots of news and background on the Queen’s 60 glorious years on the throne.
See lots more pictures from the events on our ‘buy a photo’ tab above

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