Croydon’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations kicked off today all over town with street parties, decorations going up and children proudly putting up their home made posters of the Queen in windows.

The shops were busy with people getting in some last minute items for picnics, street parties and barbecues. Croydon was even treated to an impromptu flypast by some Apache helicopters on their way to Buckingham Palace for the celebratory display.

The main event in Croydon took place this evening in Katharine Street when the Civic Mayor Councillor Alisa Flemming lit one of the 3,500 beacons being lit all over the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. There was a terrific crowd gathered in Katherine Street who were entertained by a brass band and young people with more up to date numbers.

It was just starting to get dark in central Croydon when the Mayor lit the beacon watched by the crowd.

As the crowds broke up after the event members of the public were saying how good it was to be out meeting up with other people after the isolation of the last couple of years.

Earlier in the evening, the Indian Vegetarian and Vegan Society held a picnic and musical celebration of the beacon lighting in Lloyd Park. Members and guests of the Indian Vegetarian Society gathered to have a vegetarian or vegan picnic and members of the society entertained with music and dance before lighting up the park with glow sticks, torches and mobile phones to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

Some more pictures from a busy and memorable day.