ALVECHURCH’S biggest ever Picnic in the Park was held this afternoon to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
With villagers and visitors, around 3,000 people filled The Meadows as the sun shone down on those attending.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
The event boasted a variety of charity stalls, food and drink, sports challenges and crafts.
Among the charity groups were Finlay’s Journey – set up in memory of Finlay Church to support the Brain Tumour Research and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
His parents Penny and Wayne Church have continued his fantastic fund-raising after he lost his brave brain tumour battle.
Also there were Fiona and Neil Edwards from Barnt Green, fund-raising in memory of their daughter Emilia for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
Hedgehog charity Array 4 Hogs also had a stall with ‘Higgy the Hedgehog’. As well as fund-raising, it was promoting the Alvechurch Hedgehog Highway where people are encouraged to make holes in their fences and hedges to enable hedgehogs and hoglets to travel unhindered between gardens.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
Competitions included a Bake-Off style contest and fancy dress.
Live music and entertainment included singers, dance troupes, cheerleaders and Bromsgrove Ukulele Club.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
Characters Alice, the Mad Hatter and the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland and the Little Mermaid were brought to life by Sapphire Entertainment.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
And Aerial and Alice dueted on the music stage.
The guest of honour was 97-year-old Second World War veteran Gordon Mercia who flew the four-engine Halifax aircraft as part of Bomber Command.
When asked about the event Gordon told the Standard: “I think it’s magnificent – the committee has done an amazing job.”
Picture by Tristan Harris.
Halfway through the afternoon – as part of the Jubilee celebrations – there was an impressive fly-by from a Lancaster Bomber.
The Lancaster Bomber delighted the crowds. Picture by Kieran Durrant Photography. s
Sarah Courbet – one of the organisers – added: “This is the biggest and busiest Picnic in the Park we have ever held.
“I was worried when I found out it was in half-term as I thought a lot of people would be away but it’s been amazing.
“The weather has been fabulous and Gordon and the Lancaster Bomber fly-by made it the perfect Jubilee event.”
She thanked everyone who helped make it a success – from the eight-person committee, to volunteers, stall-holders, entertainers and all the visitors.
“It’s going to be tough to top this next year.”
Picture by Tristan Harris.
The party has moved to Alvechurch Cricket Club to continue into the evening.
