THE SECOND day of the jubilee has truly lived up to the hype. And whether you are a lover or a loather of the Royal Family, it is hard not to get caught up in the atmosphere.
Everyone across the county has been swept up in the party spirit – from huge celebrations in Cuckfield to cardboard cut-outs of the Queen at a beach hut fiesta for two in Hove.
Cuckfield was a sea of Union Jack clothing and awash with the red, white and blue as crowds came together in the village to wish the Queen well for her 70th year on the throne.
It is the first time in two years that people have been able to celebrate together due to the pandemic – and people are certainly making the most of it.
There are more than 80 road closures in the city alone today owing to street parties like the one in De Montfort Road, Brighton.
Yve Lloyd, who attended the party, said the last time her road held an outdoor event like this, the day was a washout – so she was thankful for the “beautiful weather”.
Other residential areas of the city were also preparing for an afternoon of fun. Clare Murphy-Perrott and her daughter Molly Murphy-Perrott were hanging bunting with their friend Emily Garnham and Lolly the dog in Scotland Street.
But it wasn’t just residents having their fun, businesses got stuck in, too.
Paddy Daly, Sean Headley and Paul Thorne were dishing out Pimms and lemonade to passers-by in Ship Street. The art shop has a quirky jubilee display in the window with a pop art image of the Queen taking centre place.
The nearby image of late Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, famed for his punk attitude, was also amusing next to such a patriotic display.
Montezuma’s Chocolate store in Duke Street created a huge Union Jack out of its chocolate bars which sat in the middle of the room, while worker Christian Holmes handed out mini Union Jacks outside.
The city itself was electric, and the streets packed. Some to celebrate the jubilee, others just soaking up the sunshine over a four-day weekend.
Meanwhile in London, St Paul’s Cathedral was the main site for today’s festivities, with crowds of onlookers waiting from early this morning to get a good position – with some even camping over the previous night.
Joseph Afrane, 58, was seen at the cathedral dressed head to toe in Union Jack clothing – even donning sunglasses with the flag on, and a scarf of portraits of the Queen.
Joseph had been to every jubilee event in the capital so far.
Members of the Royal Family began arriving at the cathedral for a special jubilee service, though the Queen was not in attendance due to “discomfort” during day one of the celebrations – she will also miss out a visit to the Epsom Derby tomorrow.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were cheered as they walked up the steps to St Paul's but Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie were met with loud booing from the crowd.
Former prime minister Tony Blair also attended the event.
The Queen did, however, manage to join one lucky person for tea by the sea – though in cardboard form.
Mo East set up camp at her beach hut in Hove, and enjoyed a glass off fizz while toasting Her Majesty.
But while the first two days of Sussex’s jubilee celebrations have enjoyed glorious sunshine, that may soon end as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for the South East.
It said there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
There is also a risk to public transport, as bus and train services could become delayed, while driving conditions could be difficult The weather warning is in place from midnight tonight until 10am tomorrow.
But however you choose to spend your jubilee weekend, send your pictures to The Argus on news@theargus.co.uk.
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