Features / Jubilee
Looking back on a lifetime of street parties in Bristol
A new photo exhibition is looking back on 70 years of royal celebrations in one part of Bristol.
The photos, taken from the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 to the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, tell the story of an enduring community spirit in Shirehampton.
The Jubilee Display has been organised by Shirehampton Markets, which called on locals to search through their archives for photos of street parties throughout history.
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Queen’s Coronation celebration in 1953 at The Lamplighters pub in Shirehampton – photo: Marilyn Gorny
Children tuck in to tea and cake at the Queen’s Coronation street party in 1953 on Bradley Crescent – photo: Annette Maggs.
Queen’s Coronation parade in 1953 on Bradley Crescent – photo: Annette Maggs.
Kathryn Courtney, who runs Shirehampton Markets along with Ash Bearman and Katherine Birth, was thrilled with the submissions.
She said: “It’s lovely to see old photos and how things have changed over the years along with fashion too. It’s all rather nostalgic.
“I love history and I love photography, and this display captures the essence of such celebrations and how respected and admired Queen Elizabeth II is to many people throughout the UK as they continue to celebrate her reign.”
Queen’s Coronation street party on the Portway in 1953 – photo: Val Lloyd
A patriotic display at the 1953 street party on the Portway – photo: Val Lloyd
Shirehampton Carnival in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee – photo: Rose Weston
‘The Queen’s guards’ parade through Shirehampton High Street in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee – photo: Rose Weston
The exhibition will be on display as part of the Jubilee High Street Market in Shirehampton, an event which promises to bring together all generations.
The market, complete with strawberry trifles, DIY face painting and crown making, is taking place on Thursday from 10am until 3pm at the Tithe Barn on Shirehampton High Street.
Winners of a costume competition at the Grove Leaze street party in the 1980s – photo: Vernon Mills
Diamond Jubilee street party on Priory Road in 2012 – photo: Kacey O’Neill
Royal celebrations at the Diamond Jubilee street party on Priory Road – photo: Kacey O’Neill
Ella Calland is reporting on Shirehampton as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo of Queen’s Coronation street party in 1953 on Bradley Crescent: Annette Maggs
Read more: Bristol post box gets the royal treatment
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