Diamond Jubilee River Pageant: Drizzle and grey skies fail to dampen crowd

Overcast skies and light drizzle weren't on the agenda for the spectacular river pageant marking the Queen's Diamond Jubilee - but that wasn't going to dampen spirits or deter the crowds.

From dawn families and well-wishers had been queueing for venues dotted around the capital to get as good a view as possible of the 1,000 vessels forming the river-borne event.

As the first trains arrived into Victoria Station small pockets of Scouts, Guides and familes clutching folding chairs and rucksacks could be seen pausing before heading off to seek the best vantage points.

Some of the most sought after were to be had at the festival held at Battersea Park which celebrated the day with fashion, music and fairground rides of yesteryear.
Despite the light rain the crowds patiently gathered at the water's edge, some marking out their territory as soon as they got through the gates with checked blankets while others stood with their legs astride until back-up arrived from friends and relatives.

[Related link: 4,000 beacons to be lit across the globe for the Queen]

By the time the pageant set off the line was 15 to 20 deep and only the least vertically challenged had any chance of seeing what was going on.

Innovative solutions included youngsters clambering on to rows of portable toilets or standing on railings whilst leaning on a supporting partner/relative as a counter-balance.

Others simply gathered around the numerous screens dotted around the park which enabled festival-goers to savour the atmosphere and get a clear view of what was going on down on the water.

Stephen Cooper and Maryln O'Sullivan had travelled the day before from Bristol to take in the celebrations.
'We love all this, all this Britishness and the Queen and all of that,' said Ms O'Sullivan.

Mr Cooper pointing to the passing steamers and tugs said 'this is the highlight'.

'We could have watched it on TV but it is about being part of the celebration.'

Roger and Linda Niven had a shorter journey from West London. Mrs Niven, decked out with a splendid cardboard crown, said the atmosphere travelling to Battersea among rail passengers had been 'absolutely wonderful'.

'It was chock-a-block and everyone is so excited.'

Keen supporters of the Queen - the couple had sat in the Mall for the Golden Jubilee - their enthusiasm has evidently been passed on to their daughter who saw the Queen yesterday at Epsom for The Derby.

As well as the river pageant centerpiece there numerous other distractions to savour at the festival.

Among the musicians performing were 80s ska group The Selecter and various Fifties-style big bands.

Designer Wayne Hemingway, co-curator of the festival, told Press Association: 'This will be a proper knees-up with dancing and plenty of activities.

'It's a chance for people to put their glad rags on, polish their dancing shoes and take a sideways, creative and uplifting look at British eccentricity.