Diamond Jubilee: Schoolchildren’s parties create memories to last a lifetime

Beaming schoolchildren were left with lifelong memories of colourful Jubilee celebrations as many schools threw parties to mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign.

Pupils at Garden Suburb Junior School dressed up in Union Jacks and teachers from Annemount School, also in Hampstead Garden Suburb, wore William and Kate masks while the children picnicked on the lawn.

Annemount pupils ate a lunch fit for royalty , including British classics such as cucumber and egg sandwiches, scones, Victoria sponge, and strawberries and cream, which they prepared themselves, while singing traditional songs including God Save The Queen.

Brave souls at Heathside Preparatory School in Hampstead competed in a tug of war as their classmates picnicked on Hampstead Heath.

The children ate a delicious selection of cakes made by parents. Pupil Iris Leader, dressed as The Queen and travelling in a golden cardboard carriage, opened the celebrations by cutting a red, white and blue ribbon

Children spent the afternoon playing traditional games including a Jubilee-themed version of British Bulldog, renamed Corgi Dog.

Melissa Remus Elliot, Heathside headmistress, said: “The celebration was a magical day that the children will never forget. The Heath was covered in red, white and blue, and we had our very own Queen, who arrived to a fanfare and song. What was really unique about the day was that we had dozens of old-fashioned games, such as pin the crown on the Queen, and marbles.”

Bright balloons also bore the colours of the day at Our Lady of Muswell Primary’s 1950s themed party and pupils at St Paul’s CofE School in Primrose Hill wore golden crowns declaring their allegiance to The Queen.