A THOUSAND residents relaxed in the sunshine for a special Jubilee in the Park picnic event.

Thundersley Common held a Picnic in the Park for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee which saw Royalists from all over the county come together to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Visitors were spoiled with choice of activities and fun, from games, to face painting, to food, to music, to birds of prey, as well as a visit from Salvo the Clown!

Andie Freeston, one of the main organisers, said it was a day to remember.

She said: “The day was absolutely unbelievable.

“We were not expecting so many people to turn up, but we think there were more than a thousand people.

“It was truly amazing, and the best community event in Thundersley for years.

“There were so many smiles, and even people who came alone were making friends as everyone just came together.

“It was a day to remember as we celebrated the special occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee!”

People arrived from 11am and stayed all day in what was beautiful weather, before everyone came together for the National Anthem to be played to end the day.

Susan Moore, aged 58, went along with her friend Trudi Went, aged 63, with their Jubilee themed hats, flags, and picnic to celebrate.

She said it was an occasion that will remain in the history books: “Nobody does ‘Pomp and Pageantry’ like the British.

“The Platinum Jubilee celebrations is a huge achievement in honour of the longest reigning Monarch in history.

“Whether you are a royalist or not, this occasion will always remain in the history books forever.

“It was just a wonderful day where the community all came together to celebrate.”

The ever-so popular and loved Salvo the Clown, who came from Southend to Thundersley especially, gave out more than hundred balloons to all the children.

He said: “It was a pleasure to be a part of the event and was an honour to be invited to be apart of the celebrations to the Queen’s Platinum Year of Service.

“I had a great afternoon and was more than pleased to be able to give away 107 free balloons to the children.”