Special Feature
Coventry knows how to have a right Royal knees up

A RIGHT Royal knees up was held across the city to mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee over a long weekend at the end of May and start of June.

Street parties were held across Coventry to mark Her Majesty's 60 years on the throne. The city has been a hotspot for parties over the past couple of years as British folk first celebrated Kate and Will's Royal Wedding before this year's milestone.

And it was a right knees-up - literally - in Woodside Avenue South where residents have a traditional knobbly knees competition.

Archbishop Dr Rowan Williams held a special diamond jubilee service at Coventry Cathedral during his visit to the city.

In the city centre, huge parties were held in Millennium Place and Lower Precinct, with FA Cup winner Keith Houchen a special guest at the latter venue.

Shoppers enjoyed a fashion show and the centre even hosted music from every decade with bands playing hits from the 50s to the 2000s.

The extended weekend saw parties across the week, with many on Saturday having to endure rain with true British spirit.

One of those street parties was Headington Avenue in Holbrooks. But locals stuck to their guns threw the rain with cameras from Sky TV even heading down to film activities up and down the street.

Kids enjoyed themselves with races in the road and the party lasted an impressive 11 hours.

Other youngsters to get into the British spirit were pupils at Richard Lee Primary School. The Wyken school held a party in the park to mark the occassion.

Other streets to get involved included Knoll Drive, Stivichall, Arden Street, Earlsdon, Collett Walk, Coundon and Kings Grove, Stoke.

Buy photos» A huge Union flag drapes the Knoll Drive residents as they enjoy their neighbours' - and friends' - company. 23.012.027.cov.nc1 www.buyphotos247.com

Buy photos» There were some very special guests at the street party in Fow Oak, Tile Hill. 23.012.036.cov.jm8 (www.buyphotos247.com)

Buy photos» They love a good knees-up in Woodside Avenue South. The street, just off Kenilworth Road, got in the Royal Wedding spirit last year and residents were back again for more this time around. 23.012.026.cov.nc2 www.buyphotos247.com

Buy photos» The atmosphere and community spirit in Fow Oak, Tile Hill was heightened by the whole street being under one giant gazebo. It also kept the threat of bad weather away. Picture by Jon Mullis 23.012.036.cov.jm12 (www.buyphotos247.com)

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