Kesh was abuzz on Friday, June 3 as huge crowds came out to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a range of celebratory events in the village.

Gary Wilson, chairman of Kesh and District Jubilee Committee commented on the success of the Jubilee celebrations.

“We were just blown away by the numbers who attended during the day,” said Gary, noting how there were people attending from all over the island of Ireland.

“It was just amazing to see families and friends being reunited after a long time not seeing each other,” he said, in reference to the lockdowns.

“They were all coming together to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in a friendly and safe way.”

Starting at 2pm on Mantlin Road Playing Fields in Kesh, the official opening was performed by the guest of honour, Major Shaun Pendry, Deputy Lieutenant. This was followed by a non-stop programme of music, dance, entertainment and fun which ran late into the evening.

“We had the most amazing entertainment from all of our entertainers, and there were brilliant side shows,” said Gary.

The fun day of events concluded with a grand finale pageant.

Lined the streets

Spectators lined the streets to enjoy the festivities, waving Union flags in honour of Her Majesty The Queen as a number of bands, community, sporting and voluntary organisations, Loyal Orders, Ex-Service organisations, vintage vehicles and more travelled through the village.

Noting how there were over 8,000 people in attendance at the pageant alone, Gary said: “That just knocked us for six completely.”

Paying tribute to all the volunteer committee members who worked hard behind the scenes and on the day to make it a success, Gary said: “There was a lot of things people didn’t see, the set up and clear down, and all the planning that went in before [the event] to make it all happen.

“Thanks also to all the participants, organisations and bands who took part. They all made the pageant and celebrations more colourful and special,” he said, going on to thank The National Lottery Community Fund for the financial support with the Awards for All grant.

“We just feel that we commemorated the Platinum Jubilee in a very fitting, appropriate and fun way. Everyone said it was all the fun of the fair for all ages,” he told this newspaper.