Royal town comes together for jubilee party (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Royal town comes together for jubilee party

12:22pm Tuesday 5th June 2012 in News By Emma Dunn

It was a right royal affair in Royal Wootton Bassett on Monday as the High Street closed for a celebration to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

Last year the town was given royal status after the community came together to mark repatriations through the town.

The community came together once more to celebrate with an afternoon of events, including a fancy dress parade, a tea party and dozens of stalls.

Royal Wootton Bassett town crier Owen Collier helped to get proceedings under way He said: “This is the first year of the royal status and it is great to see so many people out celebrating the diamond jubilee.

“The community has always been one that comes out to support local events and it is another fantastic day to celebrate.”

Hundreds of people headed to the town to take part in the festivities which included bouncy castles and hog roasts.

Rob Jones, of Royal Wootton Bassett, brought his two grandchildren, Jacob, eight, and Laila, six, who were dressed for the occasion.

He said: “This gives a sense of community and it brings everyone out which is lovely to see.”

Wally and Pauline Cuss, of Lydiard, also visited, armed with their Union Jacks.

Pauline said: “It is fabulous to see so many out. Bassett has had a lot of sad times in the past so to have something like this to celebrate is great for the town.”

North Wiltshire MP James Gray was in the High Street meeting his constituents and taking part in the tea party.

He said: “It is a great day and we have a brilliant community here in Royal Wootton Bassett who are all out to mark this special occasion.

“I think the royal status adds to the whole thing and the people of Wootton Bassett are incredibly proud of that status.”