Southampton celebrates Queen's Platinum Jubilee with an outdoor picnic

Festivities were well and truly underway today at St James' Park in Shirley at the family-friendly event. 

Organised by the Friends of St James’ Park, there were lots of fun activities for all members of the public. 

Celebrating the Jubilee with the community were 90-year-old Gladys Beaumont and her husband, Eric Beaumont, 92. 

The couple got married 71 years ago and celebrated their platinum anniversary last year. 

Gladys said: "I think it’s great. It’s nice to see all the families and everybody chilling.

"I think events like this are good because they get everyone mixing. It gives the children something to do, a run-around, and it’s good for their health. I think the Queen's never put a foot wrong. She’s a very dedicated lady." 

Eric added: "It’s wonderful and a lovely family day out.

"The Queen is lovely, she’s brilliant and someone to admire."

The couple have decorated their flat and will be celebrating the Jubilee surrounded by their loved ones. 

With the sun shining, people were posing for selfies with their families and royal supporters were dressed up for the occasion. 

With Union Jacks printed over her shirt, volunteer Julie Catling, who ran a craft-making stall with her team at the event, said: "It's the first day of the Jubilee weekend and it is just lovely. 

"Today, we are trying to get everyone in the community into the park for a pretty much free event. 

"It's really nice to put something back into the community." 

Visitors also had an opportunity to enter a fancy dress competition and take part in a Jubilee-themed trail. 

Another resident, Iwona Morawska, who visited the event with her daughter, said: "It is such a lovely day.

"Long live the Queen and a very happy birthday to her." 

Four-year-old Arlo Carey and his sister Ava-Rose Carey also laughed and shouted: "Happy Jubilee".

Hilde Gronsberg, 41, who helped organise the event, told the Daily Echo: "Today we have got a Queen's Jubilee picnic and a fun day for everybody. 

"As you can see, all around us, everybody is enjoying a picnic. 

"We've got face painting, tombolas, people have brought in cupcakes for sale, and we have got lots of free crown-making in the middle of the field. 

"The weather is gorgeous and it is a fantastic event and we want to wish the whole of the UK a happy birthday and, of course, the Queen for her Jubilee." 

The celebration in Shirley kicked off at 11am and visitors also brought their own picnic mats and deckchairs. 

Additional reporting by Charlotte Anderson