THE sun shone as East Lancashire’s busiest day of Diamond Jubilee street parties was hailed a major success yesterday.

Organisers woke up early to set out their rows of tables and Union Jack-themed decorations, ready for the thousands of revellers.

Spirits were high as crowds turned out to the dozens of street parties and Jubilee events.

Maureen McGarvey, former mayor and chair of the Friends of Roe Lee Park, organised a party in Roe Lee Park, Blackburn, and said the day had been a success.

Jason Walker, an organiser, said: “We have been very lucky with the weather. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

Heather Knowles, treasurer of Longton Estate Residents’ Association, said: “It’s great for the residents to get together and get to know one another better.

“We wanted to get everyone together to celebrate the Jubilee and the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.”

Dozens of people, dressed in red, white and blue and sporting Union Jack temporary tattoos, played traditional games such as giant skittles, ring toss and tug-of-war.

Over at Beardwood Fold in Blackburn, the residents decked out the private road with tressel tables covered with Union Jacks and strung 300 metres of bunting across the avenue.

All the neighbours pitched in with a Jacob’s join lunch, which included English and Asian food and delicious cakes and treats.

The party-goers had their photos taken with a life-size painted portrait of the Queen, took part in a Royal quiz, had their faces painted, and played a number of games – including ‘pin the tail on the corgi’ and lawn games. Grant Magowen, one of the organisers, said: “Everyone has chipped in and helped to organise the party and the Jacob’s join.

Barbara Stillman, a fellow organiser, said: “We were very lucky it hasn’t rained – but we had a contingency plan.”

At Furthergate Working Men’s Club on Cherry Street, Blackburn, residents of the Longton Close estate listened to old time music and took part in party games.

Chocolate medals and certificates were awarded to the winners.

A finger buffet of old-time favourites was put on for the party goers, along with cups of tea and coffee. More than 200 people came out and basked in the sunshine at one of the biggest parties in Scott Park Road, Burnley.

Residents lined the streets with over 250 union jack flags hung from every house and placed around gardens.

Children were treated to face painting and a magic show while tables filled with food the centre of the cordoned off street.

Linda Clegg, 60, one of the organisers, said: “We had a party last year for the royal wedding, that went down really well so we decided to do it again.

“We are quite a patriotic road and really wanted to do something that everyone would enjoy to celebrate this fantastic occasion.

“Later in the day we are hoping to have a fire engine visit.”

More than 200 people came out and basked in the sunshine at one of the biggest parties in Scott Park Road, Burnley.

Residents lined the streets with 250 union jack flags hung from every house and placed around gardens.

Children were treated to face painting and a magic show while tables filled with food the centre of the cordoned off street.

Linda Clegg, 60, one of the organisers of the event said: “We had a party last year for the royal wedding, that went down really well so we decided to do it again for the Jubilee.

“We are quite a patriotic road and really wanted to do something that everyone would enjoy to celebrate this fantastic occasion.

“Later in the day we are hoping to have a fire engine brought down onto the road which the children will enjoy, also we hope to have a cricket match.”

Residents in Brown Street West in Colne took a different approach to celebrations, holding chopper bicycle jousting and slalom competitions.

Children were treated to egg and spoon races, hook the duck competition, ping pong and pin the tail on the donkey.

Billy Bantam, who has lived in the street for 24 years and owns the choppers being used said : “We have held street parties here since the silver Jubilee, we love any excuse for a party.

“Each time we hold one we try and do something a bit out of the ordinary. This year we decided to do the chopper jousting and chopper slaloms. For the slalom the contestants have to ride the chopper around cones and under a limbo stick whilst carrying a tray with glasses filled with water that they have to try not to spill.

“As well as the competitions we have all brought food and drinks and have decorated our doors and later in the day we will be playing French cricket. I really think the Queen would love our party.”

Resident Mary Andrew spent a month knitting 20ft of red, white and blue bunting to decorate her house. She said: “I wanted to do something special to celebrate the Jubilee and thought that the homemade bunting would be a nice touch.”

In Bacup residents in Sandby Close spent yesterday morning putting up 500 metres of bunting after their initial attempt was blown down by strong winds on Sunday.

Party co-ordinator Marilyn Lord, 62 who has lived in the close for two years said: “About twenty houses have joined in the event and they have invited friends and family to celebrate with them.

“We have got two bouncy castles for the children and a bouncy slide, we are also having a BBQ, a name the teddy competition, pass the parcel and hide and seek.

“We are so pleased that the sun is shining today. We have spent the morning putting the bunting up again after it was blown down on Sunday night.”

At Ennismore Street community centre in Burnley dozens of people enjoyed a fun day with a raffle, tombola, face painting, cake stall and book stall as well as free food and drinks.

One of the highlights of the event was the chance to throw a wet sponge at unlucky pensioner Harry Aines, 72 who was put in stocks.

Harry said: “We wanted to do something that was a bit of fun and all the money from the day goes to Pendleside Hospice.”

In Worsthorne dozens of residents in Townfield Avenue sat in the closed-off street to enjoy a food, drinks and music.

Amanda McQuillan, 39, said: “This is the first time the whole street have got together. We have all joined together to contribute food and drinks, everyone has really got into the party spirit and it has brought the community together."