CITY residents unfurled picnic blankets in a Southampton park to mark the royal celebrations this weekend.

Freemantle Lake Park hosted a Platinum Jubilee picnic as part of ongoing city-wide festivities.

The event, 'to bring the community together', was organised by Friends of Freemantle Lake Park.

As well as paying tribute to the Queen, it aimed to raise cash for future events and improvements to the green space. 

With over 200 people in attendance, there were performances by a local band, a juggler, raffles, food and drink stalls, and a bookstall. 

Charlotte Ndupuechi, secretary for Friends of Freemantle Lake Park, said the celebrations went “really well.” 

The 42-year-old told the Daily Echo how residents came together and volunteered.

She said: “We had a lot of support from everyone and the local church, Testwood Church too. I was running the refreshments stall and it sold out very quickly along with the food as well, but everyone came and enjoyed it.” 

Charlotte said that people could “feel the joy” and expressed their thanks saying they had a "wonderful time".

Friends of Freemantle Lake Park began as a local community project to improve the state of the park.

Charlotte said: “It's a funny space, Freemantle Park, because it was in the state that it was, we made the Friends of Freemantle group to try and make changes.  

"The celebrations on Friday will help us continue that but also were about celebrating the Jubilee.”