A once-in-a-lifetime event has drawn to a close, after people across the country came together in street parties and community events to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 year reign as monarch.

Residents in Basingstoke have made a tremendous effort over the past four days. Our reporters and photographers have been out and about speaking to many revelers, and have put together this gallery of images, with more to come in this week’s print edition (out Thursday).

Highlights have included LoveBasingstoke’s Jubilee event in War Memorial Park, a village picnic in Overton, and wonderful street parties such as those in Royal Close and Eastfield Avenue.

“Even if you were born today, you will never see 70 years again!” said Carolyn Troman, at Bridge Street in Overton. “It’s unique.”

John James Harris, 77, originally from Kingscelere, added: “I remember my mum telling me that the Queen’s coronation was on and us all sitting round the wireless as a family listening to it. We didn’t think we would live to be 70 in those days!”

At Royal Close, street party organiser Nancy Weller-Evans said: “It’s been really nice to have the community back together after Covid. We are all spread out, so there are times that go by when you don’t see many people.

“We thought, we are Royal Close, we have to do something! We all look out for each other, there’s real community spirit.”

And at Eastfield Avenue, many of the residents have lived in the houses for decades.

Some 70 people attended there to mark the 70 years, ranging in age from four to 94. They all enjoyed fish and chips which were donated by Oliver's, a cake by Cookie Creations and entertainment including a treasure hunt, music and traditional games.

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