AN extravagant wave of patriotic pageantry greeted the people of Church Hill as residents turned up in their hundreds on Thursday morning for the Big Jubilee Lunch in Loxley Close.
Residents woke up to the glorious sounds of the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) at 8.15am as they played a storming warm-up outside the Willow Tree Community Centre.
The band quickly disappeared before the crowds could gather, as no one was aware at that stage that they were making an appearance.
Coffee stands and trestle tables covered with delicious treats were spread across the street, where band members would later sit down with some of the ecstatic local children.
One woman, who was watching with her granddaughter, said she felt elated to see so many of the community celebrating together after a hard few years during the pandemic.
To huge anticipation the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) finally appeared to march down the road at around 9.15am greeted by the flag waving crowds, giving a rousing performances of a specially curated musical medley befitting the Platinum Jubilee.
One excited woman in the crowd said after she didn’t know how patriotic she felt until she watched that performance.
Captain Dan Button, the director of music of the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) said it was fantastic to see the people of Redditch embracing the Jubilee celebrations, adding that he was honoured to take part.
He added it had been a stroke of luck that they had been able to perform in Church Hill, as they were in the region for other events when discussions started last week.
The organisers of the National Big Lunch, who are co-ordinating events across the country celebrating the Jubilee, contacted Church Hill Big Local after seeing an opportunity to say thank you for their work the community for the larger Big Jubilee Lunch celebrations.
Co chair of Church Hill, Hayley Price said that it was well worth it to keep the event under wraps as the surprise gave something special to the people of Redditch.
“We can’t quite believe that our community has been chosen for this incredible celebration,” she said.
“People are joining in with Big Jubilee Lunches in cities, towns, and villages everywhere and yet we are being treated to this very special moment.
“Church Hill Big Local got together in June 2012 at the time of the Diamond Jubilee. Since then, our community has grown from strength to strength, growing connections, working together on so many lovely projects.
“It’s incredibly exciting to bring our whole community together to celebrate what people have achieved so far, to mark our 10-year anniversary this June and celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. What a truly momentous year!”
Peter Steward, executive director The Big Jubilee Lunch added: “What we’ve found here with this fantastic group of people in the heart of Redditch is a remarkable commitment to celebrating the Jubilee.
“We wanted to see if we could take the essence of a Jubilee and put it into someones back yard to stir excitement and this community have responded.
“The band really was the icing on the cake, especially since it was such a surprise to the residents.”
