Sussex embarks on Jubilee celebrations Brighton News

Cuckfield was a sea of ​​Union Jack attire and awash in red, white and blue as crowds gathered in the village to wish the Queen well on her 70th year on the throne.

Jubilee drew crowds to Cuckfield

It’s the first time in two years that people can celebrate together because of the pandemic – and people are definitely making the most of it.

There are over 80 road closures in the city alone today due to street parties such as the one in De Montfort Road, Brighton.

Yve Lloyd, who attended the party, said the last time her route had held an outdoor event like this it had been a terrible day – so she was grateful for the “good weather”.

Heide Brown, Yve Lloyd, Andy Lloyd, Ollie Callaghan, Abbie Reynolds, Caroline Budden-Gibson, Deb Longbottom and Sue Longbottom of De Montfort Road

Other residential areas of the city were also gearing up for an afternoon of fun. Clare Murphy-Perrott and her daughter Molly Murphy-Perrott were hanging out with their friend Emily Garnham and Lolly the dog in Scotland Street.

But it wasn’t just residents enjoying themselves, businesses were also stuck.

Molly Murphy-Perrott and her mother Clare Murphy-Perrott and Lolly the dog in Scotland Road put up banners with Emily Garnham, right

Paddy Daly, Sean Headley and Paul Thorne handed out Pimms and lemonade to passers-by in Ship Street. The art shop has an original Jubilee display in the window with a pop art image of the Queen in the center.

The nearby image of late Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, famous for his punk attitude, was also fun alongside such a patriotic display.

Brighton Box’s Paddy Daly, Sean Headley and Paul Thorne

Montezuma’s Chocolate store in Duke Street created a huge Union Jack from its chocolate bars which sat in the middle of the room, while worker Christian Holmes handed out mini Union Jacks outside.

Christian Holmes

The city itself was electric and the streets crowded. Some to celebrate the jubilee, others simply to soak up the sun for a four-day weekend.

Meanwhile in London, St Paul’s Cathedral was the main site of today’s festivities, with throngs of spectators waiting early this morning to secure a good position – some even having camped out the night before.

Joseph Afrane, 58, was seen at the cathedral dressed head to toe in Union Jack clothes – even wearing sunglasses with the flag and a scarf of portraits of the Queen.

So far, Joseph had attended all the Jubilee events in the capital.

Joseph Afrane standing outside St Paul’s Cathedral

Members of the Royal Family have started arriving at the Cathedral for a special Jubilee service, although the Queen was not present due to ‘discomfort’ during the first day of the celebrations – she will also miss a visit to the Epsom Derby tomorrow.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were cheered on as they ascended the St Paul’s Steps, but Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie were met with loud boos from the crowd.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair also attended the event.

The Queen did, however, manage to join one lucky person for tea by the sea – albeit in cardboard form.

Mo East set up camp at his beach hut in Hove and enjoyed a glass of bubbly while toasting Her Majesty.

Mo East. Photo by Simon Dack

But while the first two days of Sussex’s Jubilee celebrations have enjoyed glorious sunshine, it could soon come to an end as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for the South East.

There is a small chance that homes and businesses will be flooded, with damage to some buildings due to floodwater, lightning, hail or high winds.

There is also a risk for public transport, as bus and train services could be delayed, while driving conditions could be difficult. The weather alert is in place from midnight tonight until 10am tomorrow.

But however you choose to spend your Jubilee weekend, send your photos to The Argus at news@theargus.co.uk.