COMMUNITY spirit was alive and kicking in a popular Andover park last weekend when well-wishers came together to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Despite the occasional downpours spirits failed to be dampened during a day filled with music and celebrations at Vigo Recreation Ground on Sunday. (12 June) Andover Churches Together provided tea, coffee and cakes for everybody for free while the mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Karen Hamilton, held a tea party for fifty 90-year-olds in a special marquee.

Music on the day was provided by Alex Krupa, Chris Berntsen, Common Ground, Jake Ward, Test Valley Brass and Andover Choral Society, before the community were encouraged to join in with a Last Night of the Proms style singalong.

One of the organisers, Chris Lynn said that it was a great turnout from the public especially as there were so many other street parties.

He added: “I would like to thank everybody who came along, helped before, during and after the event to make the Queen’s 90th Birthday something to be remembered.”

“Test Valley Borough Council were brilliant in preparing the Vigo Recreation Ground, as it has always been known, and their help with the clearing up and litter picking was superb.”

Mayor and Cllr Hamilton said: “I would like to thank Cllr Lynn, the sofa club committee and sponsors for all their hard work into organising the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations party in Vigo Park.

“It was a privilege for me to be amongst so many 90-year-olds sharing their memories of the Queen throughout their years.

“Test Valley Brass band were fantastic as well as all the other entertainment on the day.

“Seeing a mixture of churches come together to serve the community with free cake and drink showed the wealth of support we have locally.”