DOZENS of people sang songs, drank wine and waved flags at an event to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

More than 70 residents gathered in St Richard's Church and Community Centre in Egmont Road, Hove, to mark the occasion with plenty of food and high spirits.

People also raised their glasses in a toast to honour Her Majesty’s 70 years as monarch.

Organisers of the event were forced to squeeze more chairs around the table due to the great turnout for the event.

Brighton and Hove City Councillor for Hangleton Dawn Barnett said she was “really pleased” by how many people turned out to celebrate the jubilee.

The Argus: Councillor Nick Lewry, left, Cllr Dawn Barnett, and Conservative candidate for Hangleton Tim HodgesCouncillor Nick Lewry, left, Cllr Dawn Barnett, and Conservative candidate for Hangleton Tim Hodges

She said: “It was really worth putting on - the people have been great.

“It’s just been great to see the residents enjoying themselves.

“A lot of people hadn’t been coming out because of Covid but they’ve made the effort to come down, and it’s lovely to see.”

She thanked those who had donated to make the event possible and Tesco for its donation of food for the festivities.

Cllr Barnett recalled her memory of visiting London for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

She said: “I was 11 and I went up on the midnight train from Brighton Station, and we were right outside the Abbey.

“It was raining and we were behind this row of soldiers, so we had cardboard periscopes to see over the top of their heads and we saw the coach arrive.

“I was only 11 but it’s still in my mind.

“I love the Queen, I think she’s a wonderful woman. She is so special and so loyal - she has spent her whole life with others and for others.

“She has been a wonderful Queen and I hope she goes on for many years yet.”

The Argus: The church was kitted out in bunting and decorations, including a cardboard cut-out of the QueenThe church was kitted out in bunting and decorations, including a cardboard cut-out of the Queen

Nick Lewry, also a councillor for Hangleton, said it was fantastic to see the community come together to celebrate.

“This is exactly what we need - everyone all together, lovely atmosphere, and all having fun,” he said.

Another jubilee event is taking place in the area on Saturday at the Hangleton Community Centre in Harmsworth Crescent, Hove, with entertainment for the whole family.