Hundreds of Merton residents turned out over the long weekend as dozens of streets were cordoned off for parties and parks across the borough, with colourful and noisy community celebrations marking The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 

At least 94 parties were held over the four days of the bank holiday weekend, with events taking place in every corner of the borough. There were also larger gatherings on green spaces such as Mitcham Cricket Green and Haydons Road Recreation Ground.

Residents decked their streets with bunting and baked cakes, while younger members of the community donned their finest costumes and took part in royal-themed fancy dress competitions, parades and played on bouncy castles. 

Members of the local Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams were on hand throughout the borough to ensure revellers’ safety, as well as to join in the fun and games, and help to polish off some of the mountains of food that residents laid on at parties. 

Cllr Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, who attended the event on Friday at Haydons Road Recreation Ground alongside his deputy, Cllr Eleanor Stringer, said: “What a wonderful way to celebrate such an unprecedented achievement for The Queen. 

“Residents all the way across our borough, including myself and the other councillors, wanted to show our admiration and give thanks to Her Majesty for serving the nation so selflessly for 70 astonishing years.

“Events such as this show that here in Merton there is an incredible community spirit of which we are all so rightly proud.”