NEARLY 400 guests gathered in Plassey Street, Penarth on Sunday (June 3) to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a service of thanksgiving and a street party.

Hosted by Tabernacle Baptist Church with the support of Penarth Town Council and local police, Plassey Street was closed between Arcot Street and Glebe Street from 9am to 4pm.

The street was decked with bunting and many people decorated their houses to join in the celebration. Along with the regular congregation from Tabernacle, Plassey Street residents were invited to take part in the fun-filled day, with over 100 people joining church members.

One local resident who came along had been at the last street party to be held in Plassey Street – in May 1945, to celebrate Victory in Europe towards the end of the Second World War!

The celebrations began with an open air service of thanksgiving for the life and reign of her Majesty the Queen. Halfway through the service was interrupted by the first of a series of downpours, and moved inside the chapel to be completed.

Music was provided by Tabernacle's worship group and was a mix of traditional hymns, modern worship songs, children’s songs, prayers and readings and included a sermon on the theme of Jubilee in the Bible. Prayers written for the Jubilee service at St Paul's Cathedral in London were also used during the service.

At the end of the service, with the rain stopped, it was back outside for coffee and cake before the main course of hog roast. The children were entertained by a magician, and the street was filled with games and activities including a giant game of street volleyball.

Also on display was one of the Olympic torches recently carried in Wales and for a small donation to the Latch Children’s cancer charity, people were able to have their photograph taken with it.

Gifts of a special Jubilee edition Bible were handed out to all guests and prizes awarded for best fancy dress costume and best decorated house.

The day finished at 6pm back inside the church with a quieter service of communion, but that was not the end of celebrations for Tabernacle, which continued with a garden party at the Church manse on Tuesday.