Events fit for a Queen's birthday

Communities in north Northumberland braved the wet weather to come together to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday last weekend.

In Alnwick, a major event called Shepherds Fest took place at The Shepherds Rest Caravan Park, featuring live music and a fun fair, among other things.

A total of £1,000 was raised to be split between Alnwick Round Table, Alnwick Lights Committee, Alnwick Lions and Alnwick International Music Festival.

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Organiser Linda Gaines, of LG Events, said: “I would like to thank everybody who supported the event.

“The weather did put people off, which was disappointing, but it was still a great turn out.”

In Rothbury, festivities included a thanksgiving service in All Saints Church, a children’s crown parade and street party tea, live music and street-food traders.

Despite the wet and misty weather, there was a big turnout for Alnmouth’s celebratory event.

Chelsea and Joanne Barlow having family fun at the Shepherd's Fest at the Shepherd's Rest in Alnwick.
Picture by Jane ColtmanChelsea and Joanne Barlow having family fun at the Shepherd's Fest at the Shepherd's Rest in Alnwick.
Picture by Jane Coltman
Chelsea and Joanne Barlow having family fun at the Shepherd's Fest at the Shepherd's Rest in Alnwick. Picture by Jane Coltman
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The WI served up a table laden with tasty refreshments, while the activities included a tug-of-war contest and a fancy-dress competition.

The former was won by the girls’ team while five-year-old Max Kearns won the fancy-dress prize. There were even some visitors all the way from Honolulu.

Warkworth and Amble District Royal British Legion celebrated by having a lunch party at the Hermitage Inn, Warkworth.

More than 35 members of the Legion and guests – such as MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan – enjoyed the occasion, which included sherry trifle and birthday cake.

Millie Pentleton and Georgia Muckle at the Shepherd's Fest at the Shepherd's Rest in Alnwick.
Picture by Jane ColtmanMillie Pentleton and Georgia Muckle at the Shepherd's Fest at the Shepherd's Rest in Alnwick.
Picture by Jane Coltman
Millie Pentleton and Georgia Muckle at the Shepherd's Fest at the Shepherd's Rest in Alnwick. Picture by Jane Coltman
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A raffle raised £250 for the Poppy Appeal, while there was a Royal quiz.

More than 100 villagers came together to attend a Tea for the Queen event in Longframlington Memorial Hall.

There was music from a group of Northumbrian pipers, members of the community made refreshments, the hall was decorated with flags, bunting and balloons and Kate Watson produced a display covering the Queen’s life.

Thanks have been given to everyone who supported the event, which also raised funds for charities in Northumberland.

William Beresford and Will Wilson at the Shepherd's Fest at the Shepherd's Rest in Alnwick.
Picture by Jane ColtmanWilliam Beresford and Will Wilson at the Shepherd's Fest at the Shepherd's Rest in Alnwick.
Picture by Jane Coltman
William Beresford and Will Wilson at the Shepherd's Fest at the Shepherd's Rest in Alnwick. Picture by Jane Coltman
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Other communities to hold festivities included Wooler, Seahouses, Beadnell and Shilbottle.

Schoolchildren also got together to mark the occasion.

At St Michael’s CofE First School in Alnwick, the pupils congregated in the hall and listened to special music, including the Queen’s favourite marches.

The students thought about how important the Queen is and all stood to sing the National Anthem. This was followed by a toast to the Queen, before some celebratory party food.

Rev Julia Myles has previously spoken to the children about the role of the Queen, bringing special souvenir booklets donated by St Michael’s Church for every child.

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A Buckingham Palace garden party came to Ellingham CofE First School.

The Queens 90th birthday celebrations at Ellingham CofE First School.The Queens 90th birthday celebrations at Ellingham CofE First School.
The Queens 90th birthday celebrations at Ellingham CofE First School.

Members of the community were invited into the school for a celebration buffet lunch. This was followed by the singing of a selection of songs from the different decades of the Queen’s reign, led by the schoolchildren, followed by the National Anthem and a rendition of Happy Birthday.

The school hall was decked with bunting for the event, the children dressed for a garden party and lunch was followed by numerous cakes, including one in the shape of one of the Queen’s beloved Corgis.