It was a month of big celebrations in June as we marked the Queen’s Jubilee and Watford’s centenary year.

From Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5, street parties were being held in full force and Watford-born musicians came back to celebrate the town.

To celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne communities came together and decorated their homes with bunting, flags and pictures of her majesty and the royal family.

Some roads, such as Euston Avenue, used the event to raise money – a total of £750 donated to Watford’s Peace Hospice. 

Over the bank holiday weekend Jubilee beacons were also lit across Hertfordshire in honour of the Queen.

Watford Observer: The beacon lit in Abbots Langley. Picture: Abbots Langley Parish CouncilThe beacon lit in Abbots Langley. Picture: Abbots Langley Parish Council

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Abbots Langley lights a beacon for the Queen's Jubillee 

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But it wasn’t only the Queen that was being celebrated, Watford was also marking 100 years as a borough.

On Saturday, June 4, a parade made its way from Watford High Street to Cassiobury Park.

Watford Observer: Centenary celebrations were held on June 4. Top right, Rak-Su. Bottom Left, Naughty Boy.Centenary celebrations were held on June 4. Top right, Rak-Su. Bottom Left, Naughty Boy.

And in the evening, the park played host to Watford-raised music stars Naughty Boy and Rak-Su. 

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Thousands attend Watford's big centenary celebration event 

Saturday's Watford centenary and Jubilee celebrations 

June saw traffic come to a standstill when around a thousand or so teenagers flocked to Asda when internet celeb KSI launched his new drink – Prime.

Watford-born YouTuber and musician, KSI and his business partner fellow YouTuber, Logan Paul caused quite the commotion on June 17.

From about 2.30pm the Asda car park was filled with teenagers and a boy had been hit by a car.

Watford Observer: Crowds have descended to Watford's Asda this afternoon to see KSI and Logan Paul. Picture: Ian Downey @Tridiver/ Twitter.Crowds have descended to Watford's Asda this afternoon to see KSI and Logan Paul. Picture: Ian Downey @Tridiver/ Twitter.

The police decided to close all access into the car park and stopped traffic on the A41.   

Around 20 police officers and ten police vehicles were spotted in the area attempting to control the situation.

Conditions did not resume to normal until the late afternoon.

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Frenzied fans flock to see KSI and Logan Paul at Watford Asda

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While June saw many people return back to some form of normality after two years of on and off Covid restrictions, for some businesses the damage had already been done.

A much-loved family restaurant The Peppermill Mediterranean, in New Parade, Chorleywood, closed its doors after 50 years.

Watford Observer: Andre Vazquez outside the restaurant. Picture: The Peppermill Mediterranean Andre Vazquez outside the restaurant. Picture: The Peppermill Mediterranean

Owner Andre Vazquez, 53, said: “There’s a pinch on takeaway businesses at the moment and people can’t afford to eat out.

“We have been there for 50 years, so we have a real following but it’s not necessarily local as people have moved away, and times are just difficult.

"Before Covid footfall was down massively, during Covid we did well on delivery but still not well enough to turn a profit.

“People in Chorleywood have more to lose financially.”

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The Peppermill in Chorleywood closes after 50 years 

It wasn’t the only business set to close its doors.

This month, Pryzm was given its last date for running as a club in Watford.

The Watford Observer exclusively revealed that January 5, 2023 was set to be the last date it would be used as a club.

Watford Observer: Pryzm and CGI of proposed flats. Club picture credit: Stephen DanzigPryzm and CGI of proposed flats. Club picture credit: Stephen Danzig

But Watford Business Improvement District warned of the “devastating” impact shutting a venue like Pryzm would have on Watford’s wider economy as well as all those the club employs.

And Pryzm said its survey found young adults will stop visiting Watford, while taxi drivers warned they would be “put out of work” if the club shuts.

The building’s owner wanted to turn the premises into homes, but after the plans were rejected, Pryzm recently signed a five-year lease extension.

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Pryzm nightclub in Watford to shut by January, landlord says