Fun, food and games as Ilford residents enjoy street party

The bunting was up, the games were prepped and the food was out as about 150 residents came together to lap up the sunshine at their very own street party.

One year after Diamond Jubilee street parties were held across the county, residents of Auckland Road, Ilford stepped outside to enjoy a bash with their neighbours.

Yesterday’s party was organised by Ros Southern and neighbour Oddie Rolland, who have lived in Auckland Road for 30 and 50 years respectively.

Mrs Southern, 55, said: “It was absolutely brilliant.

“We are very, very pleased with the day – it had a great atmosphere of community spirit.”

As well as a face painter and a bouncy castle for children to enjoy, a Zumba instructor was also on hand to teacher the exercise to residents.

And a six-year-old girl who was celebrating her birthday on the same day as the street party was presented with a big pink cake.

Organisers were awarded £250 by area committee seven last month for the party, held as part of the Big Lunch programme.

Residents had hoped to hold a party last year for the Jubilee, but were wrongly told they would not be able to close their road for the day.