THE sun shone golden rays on Basingstoke as the town enjoyed its Picnic in the Park as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The War Memorial Park came alive to the sound of music spanning the last 50 years, as entertainers mingled with the crowds and children were kept happy with games and activities.

The spectacular event was organised by Basingstoke council in association with Festival Place.

Basingstoke mayor Cllr Rita Burgess said the picnic had been a lovely start to her mayoral year.

She said: "It's gone exceptionally well. We wanted to do something that the majority of people could get to and by having a free picnic in the park, it didn't stop anyone with children or financial worries from coming and taking part.

"I have seen families with children, babies, grandparents - it's been super."

Speaking of England drawing with Sweden earlier in the day, she said: "It was a nice result as far as I was concerned because I thought that if England won, everybody would stay out to celebrate and if they lost, then nobody would come because they would be too miserable!"

A delighted Jane Stewart, from Festival Place, said: "It's been fantastic. The weather has been superb and the music was brilliant. Everybody had a really good time."

Sun-burnt Chris Powell, of Basing-stoke council, who oversaw the event, estimated that 6,000 to 7,000 people attended the picnic during the day.

He said: "The atmosphere has been lovely. I have really enjoyed it."

Sharon Thompson, from Basing-stoke, enjoyed the afternoon sitting under the trees with her family. She said: "We have had a thoroughly good time. The kids have been involved in the games and we have been relaxing. It's been a good celebration. We should have one every year."

Milford Callow, 67, from Milton Keynes, was in town visiting his daughters. He said: "It's like going back in time, seeing people enjoying themselves in the park - just like the old days."

Salvation Army members Marilyn and Kenneth Kilgour attended the interdenominational service in the evening.

Mrs Kilgour said: "It's nice for people to come and be part of the service. It's been good to see them wanting to get together and celebrate. People often tend to be very reserved and it takes something like this to make them come together."

The Williams clan, from Basingstoke, set up their own crown-style tent. Muriel, 73 and Leonard, 66, from Parkside Road, were surrounded by their family, enjoying the games and dancing.

Mrs Williams, who is the proud matriarch of 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with three more due before September, said it had been a great family get-together.

"We had to make our mark and stand out from the crowd, so we decorated our tent to look like a crown," she said.

Her 12-year-old granddaughter, Hayley Golding, said: "The games have been fun and the music has been good, as well as the juggling man."

* See The Basingstoke Extra tomorrow and The Gazette on Friday for more reports and pictures from Golden Jubilee celebrations throughout the area.