Watford: Cassiobury Park among the coronation celebrations

Today (Sunday, May 7) marked the 'Big Lunch', with street parties and large events taking place.

Watford was no exception, with a coronation party involving live music, ice cream and picnics enjoyed by those in Cassiobury Park.

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Street parties were also organised across the town, with cake and drinks enjoyed by many.

At Cassiobury Park, the Watford Observer caught up with the mayor and deputy mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor and Cllr Aga Dychton.

Speaking of yesterday's coronation, Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "I think it was amazing!

Watford mayor Peter Taylor and Aga Dychton. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"Our country does these events really well.

"I thought it was just fantastic.

"There are lots of events happening (in Watford), thank goodness for the great weather.

It's great to see hundreds of people in Cassiobury Park. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"It's great to see hundreds of people in Cassiobury Park, enjoying the live music.

"I think people just enjoy getting together at times like this, and it's an opportunity to spend time with freinds, families and neighbours."

Asked if the coronation has come at a good time for the country, given the Coronavirus pandemic and rising energy bills, Mayor Taylor replied: "I think you're totally right, it has been a tough couple of years.

Ice creams, drinks and picnics were enjoyed. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"We've had lots of things, including the pandemic, so to have an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and enjoy life is even more special!"

One of the town's residents enjoying the celebrations at Cassiobury Park was 78-year-old Heidi Lauder.

Heidi has two son's living in Watford, who will be joining her in Cassiobury Park, to mark the historic event.

A coronation party at Watford's St Andrew's Church. (Image: Pearce Bates)

She said: "I enjoyed watching most of it (the coronation) yesterday, on television, very interesting!

"It was shorter (the coronation service), which I think was better because the Queen's went on for over three hours.

"It actually just went very quickly, two hours had gone just like that!"

Residents enjoying the celebrations at St Andrew's Church. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Asked whether she was looking forward to the coronation concert tonight, Heidi replied: "Oh definitely! We're glued to the telly.

"Lionel Richie (I'm most looking forward to)."

Another Watford resident, Mohammed Zamir, spoke of his fondness for the Royal Family.

The 54-year-old computer programmer missed the coronation, but hopes to catch up in the coming days.

Cakes, drinks and a raffle was enjoyed at St Andrew's Church. (Image: Pearce Bates)

He commented: "I didn't see the Coronation, I was caught up with other things, but I was aware that it was going on.

"I was excited that it was going on, but I've not been able to catch up with any of the highlights.

"Personally, I find the monarchy a really exciting thing.

"I think the country would be far worse if we didn't have the monarchy.

The children of Denmark Street, celebrating the coronation. (Image: Jennifer Jones)

"I think it gives it a historical perspective, it gives it something that other countries - that don't have a monarchy - lack."

Among the parties across Watford was one at St Andrew's Church, on Church road.

Cake, drinks, ice creams and a raffle was enjoyed.

Denmark Street held their coronation lunch yesterday (Saturday, May 6), with Jennifer Jones telling the Watford Observer: "The children of Denmark street participated in history, celebrating the coronation of King Charles III.

Denmark Street's coronation party. (Image: Jennifer Jones)

"We had face painting by the very talented Alexandra Rose Chan McKay.

"Denmark street did not let rain dampen the mood and enjoyed the festivities, which included traditional fish and chips, afternoon tea, sing alongs and dancing late into the night to tunes by DJ Tony, a Denmark resident. 

"Having lived here for 16 years, I can vouch that Denmark street is one of the best streets to live in, everyone helps each other."

Carly Perry sent photographs of her family enjoying the coronation. (Image: Carly Perry)

Lastly, Watford resident Carly Perry shared photographs of her family enjoying a coronation party whilst watching the event on television.

A Coronation lunch enjoyed by the Perry family. (Image: Carly Perry)

The coronation was watched by over 18 million people. (Image: Carly Perry)