MELKSHAM celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style with a whole host of festivities that brought the community together.
Neighbours banded together to hold street parties; pubs hosted garden parties; and live music entertained crowds – all organised to celebrate the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the first British monarch to reach this milestone.
In the town, hundreds of residents flooded the Market Place for a jubilee fair, packed full of fun for all the family, including fairground rides, stalls, live music, a Royal photo exhibition at the Town Hall, and a surprise flyover from the Red Arrows.
Melksham’s mayor, cllr Simon Crundell said, “Melksham has once again risen to the occasion in celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. It was wonderful to see the community come together in a spectacular range of celebrations this weekend.
“Our town council staff and all of the community volunteers who made the town’s events possible deserve our thanks and gratitude.
“I hope that everyone had a wonderful time and made plenty of memories of this momentous occasion.”
Other events included a children’s parade in Semington, with pupils of St George’s Primary School marching through the village in honour of the Queen. Semington villagers then came together on the High Street for a party and their annual Soapbox Distance Trial, which saw daredevils in their themed karts and outfits, battle to see who could get their kart the furthest up and down the High Street.
Shaw and Whitley residents flocked to their Summer Fete, which had a line-up for entertainment including live music, games, dog show, and a display of classic cars. The fete, organised by CAWS (Community Action Shaw & Whitley), was opened by Melksham Carnival Queen and her supporting cast of princesses and page – one of many appearances they made across the weekend.
Rounding off the long bank holiday weekend, the Assembly Hall became the focal point for the jubilee celebrations after the threat of bad weather forced the town council to cancel the royal picnic in King George V playing field.
Locals enjoyed a Jubilee sing-along/tea dance with Sharon Wilshire on the keyboards; and performances from local Morris dancing group, the Bell’s Angels, and PSG Choir, who entertained the crowds with a selection of pop, soul and gospel songs.
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