People have been celebrating the Queen’s platinum jubilee across Eden.
In Kirkby Stephen, people took the chance to step back in time with a walking parade through the town, which kicked off the town’s events.
At the head of the through the decades parade yesterday were youngsters dressed as the winning England team from 1966 World Cup.
They belted out the words to the national anthem, God Save the Queen, as the parade made its way down South Road and High Street towards the Market Square.
Paul Richardson, chairman of Kirkby Stephen Town Council, said a community barbecue held after the procession raised £350 for the town’s Christmas lights fund.
Residents and visitors to the area basked in glorious sunshine in the churchyard of Kirkby Stephen Parish Church where the barbecue and a bring and share picnic took place.
Mr Richardson said the weather had “certainly come out for the Queen”.
“It was great,” said Mr Richardson who thanked everybody who attended and Upper Eden Rugby Club for providing the barbecue equipment.
“Future events and possible sponsors will be sort for an enhancement to the Christmas light display,” he added.
Inside the church, there were displays looking back at the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.In addition, there was also flower display which included the Ukrainian flag, reminding all present to keep the war torn country in their thoughts.
The display also highlighted the vicars which had served the people of Kirkby Stephen during Queen Elizabeth’s life and reign.
And villagers of Kirkoswald gathered at the home of the cricket team to celebrate the jubilee.
The village of Brough Sowerby in the Eden Valley was the location of one of the nations registered Beacons to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
As with others across the country, the Beacon was lit at 9.45pm last night. The bonfire was well attended by local villagers – along with three families on holiday in the area who were welcomed to join in the celebration. The beacon was proudly lit by Brough Sowerby’s oldest resident, 96-year-old Evelyn Dent.
Beacons were lit across Eden last night to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Heavy rain failed to dampen spirits at the lighting of beacons in Penrith, which included one at Fairhill above Penrith – and at event organised by Clifton Community Council to illuminate the iconic beacon which overlooks the town.
Beacons from communities stretching across the Eden Valley were also visible for miles around.
