Celebrations of the coronation of King Charles III continued over the weekend with more than 100 street parties organised in Havering.
The parties had a range of activities for all - including the likes of bouncy castles, live DJs and massive feasts - as communities came together to mark the historic occasion.
Councillor Trevor Mckeever judges a bake off with all the cake makers at the Dawes Avenue party (Image: Sandra Rowse)
Some streets were fully closed and some were blocked partially to make way for the gatherings.
Residents on Crystal Avenue in Hornchurch organised a bake off with neighbours as the judges.
Over 12 cakes were entered into the competition (Image: Sandra Rowse)
Councillor Trevor McKeever, Mayor of Havering, made an appearance at the party and handed the winner a certificate.
Lauren Gerrard, 35, one of the organisers, said she was pleased with the turnout. She shared: “It went really great, it brought everyone together on the road.”
Members of the Crystal Avenue street party (Image: Sandra Rowse)
They had a tug of war and a live performance, with neighbours contributing to fund the event.
Lauren added: “We had more over 40 households coming together… It was a once in a lifetime event, so it was just lovely to celebrate the coronation with everyone."
A street party in Carlton Road was similarly a grand affair with a live performance by a local band called Casanova, a children’s entertainer, an ice cream van and even a DJ.
The street party on Carlton Road had DJ Chris entertaining the guests (Image: Upinder Ubhi)
Businesses contributed to their raffle, and they were able to raise more than £750 for the Huntington's Disease Association and Saint Francis Hospice. Households on the street also helped to fund it.
Upinder Ubhi, one of the five organisers, had moved onto the street last September and the event, she said, gave her a chance to bond with her neighbours.
She shared: “The highlight for us was getting everyone together and meeting new people. It’s nice to know people by name and face now.
"We have all got to know so many people on the street just from this event."
Upminder Ubhi organised the event with neighbours Patrick and Vicky Delicata, and Graham and Michelle Holmes (Image: Upminder Ubhi)
Councillor McKeever told the Recorder that it was “fantastic” seeing everyone join in the festivities.
He shared: “It is so nice that after some two years of isolation through Covid, the community has come back in such a strong way to engage with the King’s coronation. It is a credit to all the organisers and residents involved.”
Councillor Trevor Mckeever attended over four street parties over the weekend and thanked all the organisers and residents (Image: Sandra Rowse)
He attended parties in Dawes Avenue and Hillcrest Road in Hornchurch, as well as Romford's Raphael Park on Sunday (May 7).
He added: “There were cake competitions, best dressed house, best dressed baby, best dressed adult, the list is endless. This was only possible because of our fantastic residents.”
Cllr Trevor Mckeever also judged a children’s fancy dress competition at Dawes Avenue (Image: Sandra Rowse)
He also thanked Havering Music School for their performance at Raphael Park’s bandstand event.
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