Wet weather couldn’t dampen the festive spirit as the borough celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday.
Street parties and afternoon teas commemorated the monarch’s official birthday across the weekend.
The Accrington Lions held an afternoon tea for the elderly, and community street parties took place on Barnard Close in Oswaldtwistle and on Garfield Street in Accrington on Sunday, June 12.
St John’s Church Baxenden also hosted a Queen’s birthday party on the Sunday where entertainment included a ‘guess the taste of Britain’ competition, and a Queen and Disney princess look-a-like competition.
Organiser Joyce Teasdale, said that the day was a great success, despite the bad weather.
Joyce said: “It was absolutely wonderful. We had an awful lot of people come, not only from the church but from the village as well.
“We had the tug of war and the football challenge outside, but everything else was held inside.
“Everyone got into the royal spirit, there were lots of little princesses and a couple of Queen look-a-likes, and people in the church were wearing masks of the Royal family.
“The weather didn’t dampen the day at all.”
Accrington rail station marked the occasion with an open morning where travellers were treated to refreshments and goody bags, and Virgin Trains West mascot Sammy Bear handed out sticks of Royal Rock to children.
Accrington St James and St Paul’s churches honoured the Queen as part of their annual Walking Day weekend.
Their rose queen was crowned on Saturday, June 11 at St Paul’s, followed by two processions on the Sunday from St Paul’s Church and St Andrew’s Church.
Reverend Ian Enticott, vicar of the United Benefice of Accrington St James and St Paul, said the weekend was a great success, boosted by the addition of Royal celebrations.
He said: “We had about 115 children and adults attend, it went very well and despite the weather we managed to be outside for most of it.
“We rounded up some marquees so people didn’t get too wet. In honour the Queen’s birthday we had cakes and bunting in the Union Jack colours and we sang the national anthem. People all seemed to enjoy it, and we’ve had some very positive feedback.”
Did you celebrate the Queen’s birthday? Send your pictures and comments to accringtonobserver@menmedia.co.uk
