The community came out in force for a celebration where the residents themselves were the VIPs.

Romford Recorder: The 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel InfantesThe 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)

A huge 1930s-themed party was held on Saturday to mark Elm Park’s 80th birthday, featuring dancing, music and much merrymaking.

The “garden city” was formally opened by government cabinet member Sir Hilton Young in 1935.

Organised by the Elm Park Regeneration Partnership, the anniversary celebration saw residents, many of whom were aged 80 and above, enjoy tea and cake at community hubs.

Guests included John Hans, 80, who founded Hans Electric, in The Broadway, 49 years ago, and Arthur Hall, 90, president of the Elm Park Horticultural Guild.

Romford Recorder: The 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel InfantesThe 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)

Both men celebrated their birthdays on the day, as did Cllr Stephanie Nunn, who attended alongside her fellow Elm Park representatives, Cllr Barry Mugglestone and Cllr Julie Wilkes, and Rainham and Dagenham MP Jon Cruddas.

Cllr Nunn, also a member of the regeneration partnership’s committee, said: “It was my birthday and I certainly didn’t expect to be spending it dancing to a steel band in the streets of Elm Park this year!

“It was a lovely, sunny day with a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. It’s important to have events like these to draw people to Elm Park to visit our local shops.”

Two pop-up museums, at Elm Park Assembly Hall and Elm Park Cobbler, informed members of the public about Elm Park in the past and present.

Romford Recorder: The 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel InfantesThe 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)

Entertainment was provided by the Haverettes, the Dallaway Steel Band, the Dagenham Girl Pipers and more.

The pipers played at the opening of Elm Park station 80 years ago.

Bhups Battu, the partnership’s chairman, said: “Many people invested a lot of time and effort in this event; the group effort was amazing.

“As chairman, I take pride in this achievement of the group and I am sure we will have many more successful events in the future.”

Romford Recorder: The 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel InfantesThe 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)

Romford Recorder: The 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel InfantesThe 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)

Romford Recorder: The 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel InfantesThe 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)

Romford Recorder: The 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel InfantesThe 1930s tea room at Eye Clinic Opticians to celebrate Elm Park's 80th anniversary. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)