Over 400 people of all ages from the local community around the Tower of London came together for a special street party to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen. The guests came from many different community organisations, including older people's clubs, youth groups, family networks, uniformed youth services such as cadets, Scouts and Guides and many more.

Held on the Tower's Wharf with great views of the Thames Jubilee River Pageant, participants arrived to the sound of a local steel pan band - the Sir John Cass Steel Pan Orchestra - creating a carnival feel on a day of grey weather! The attendees each received a special Diamond Jubilee bag as they entered,containing Tower history booklets, a flag and some chocolate coins, and they then went off to take their seats at tables. Food was free for all of the guests and ranged from sandwiches, pies and salads, to cakes, sweets and candy floss, and people could help themselves at the various stalls.

The Whitechapel Vioces Choir, made up of over 50 local children, entertained the guests with super musical performances, as did the Saturday Music Centre Recorder Ensemble. Many of the children attending also enjoyed making crowns at a craft table.

As the River Pageant started everyone left the tables and made their way to the river railings to see the boats go by. Huge cheers went up for the Queen's boat!

Despite the rain which started to fall, people kept their spirits up with cup cakes, tea and coffee.
 
We all had a great time and it was a memorable way to mark the Diamond Jubilee.