Video: Cookham High Street transformed for jubilee (From Bucks Free Press)

Video: Cookham High Street transformed for jubilee as Home Secretary Theresa May drops in for the party

5:20pm Monday 4th June 2012 in Cookham By James Nadal

HUNDREDS of jubilee revellers poured into a thriving Cookham High Street this afternoon as the Queen's big weekend celebrations continued.

With Union Jacks flying from virtually every shop and business in the village centre, partying friends and family dined on tables laid all the way along the street.

There was music, entertainment, a bake off and a number of special guests, including Home Secretary Theresa May and TV football presenter Jim Rosenthal.

Mrs May, Cookham's MP, said: “The jubilee weekend has been fantastic. We've had masses of street parties and they're still going on today and tomorrow.

“Everyone is turning out for this huge celebration.

“People have really taken it to their hearts and it's all ages, including the youngsters getting involved.

“I think it's really lifted everyone's spirits.”

She said the Queen had been a “tremendous rock” and an “inspiration for the country and the commonwealth”.

Some economists have expressed concerns that the country is losing out on important working days which could disrupt the growth rate.

But Mrs May said there was actually a positive financial impact to the celebrations.

She said: “I think it generates money. Economists can always guess whatever they like, but if you look at all the people enjoying these events, people are raising money for charity, local businesses have been doing well.”

She admitted it was also a nice break, personally, from the daily rigours of being a Government Minister.

She said: “It is, it's very nice to come down to these street parties and see people enjoying the parties.”

Mrs May was one of four judges for the Bel and Dragon pub's big bake off – which pitted cake makers against each other. Many royally themed sponge delights were created.

Cookham Parish Council Chairman Derek Fry was out enjoying the party.

He said: “I think it's amazing. Mother Nature has been kind and everyone has been in great spirits. It's quite a spectacle, very British and it's a generational event. When it comes to doing things like this Cookham always does it well.”

Cookham Parish Council donated £1,000 to the event.

Mandy Brar, owner of Hillcrest Store in Hillcrest Avenue and also a parish councillor was a volunteer running a children’s stall.

She said: “I think it's brilliant and nice to see so many people here.

“People are buying things from the restaurants and shops, it will definitely give them a big boost.”