Published at 11:12, Thursday, 07 June 2012

AS bank holidays go, last weekend will take some beating. From Whitehaven’s fantastic Diamond Festival through to jubilee street parties and family barbecues in the garden; it has truly been a once in a lifetime celebration.

Blessed with good weather, unlike Her Majesty The Queen in rainy London, the area threw itself into commemorating this special occasion.

Thousands poured into Whitehaven for the three-day Diamond Jubilee Festival which offered visitors everything from celebrities to concerts, food demonstrations to fireworks.

Again, Gerard Richardson and his volunteer organisers had pulled out all the stops to ensure the town was buzzing with entertainment for all the family.

While there were some hiccups – celebrity magician Dynamo being a much-bigger draw than anticipated – the organisers admit they can only learn lessons to develop the event even further next year.

The Festival might not always run smoothly, but we should appreciate it runs at all. In the middle of a recession, it was up-lifting to see so many people enjoying themselves in our town, gathering with friends and family, boosting tourism and spending their money.

And if there is plenty to dig deep into your pockets for, there is also much that is free.

The magnificent Saturday night fireworks, Titan, the wandering celebrities and the Red Arrows were all there for the benefit of the town.

Walking around the Festival, staff from The Whitehaven News talked to families and friends who, while enjoying the events, had also used the weekend as a great excuse to meet up. Grandparents were indulging visiting grandchildren, old friends were catching up on the gossip, youngsters were revelling in the funfair atmosphere while their parents let their hair down during the concerts.

This year’s Festival weekend was particularly celebratory combined, as it was, with the Jubilee atmosphere.

Families were wandering around the town enjoying the festivities only to then return home to hundreds of parties, in streets, gardens and front rooms.

No wonder Her Majesty the Queen was “humbled’’ and “moved’’ by the way us Brits threw ourselves into marking her special occasion.

When there is a damn good reason for a celebration, we just embrace it and let go. The weekend has been very moving.

This week’s paper is filled to the brim with pictures and names of all those threw themselves into the party spirit.

It is undoubtedly a joy-filled edition. Looking through it, we hope it puts smiles on faces as the holiday weekend spirit begins to fade.

Speaking at the Festival, Gerard revealed that it was last-minute support at the weekend which has saved next year’s event.

Since there are plenty of dull, grey weekends to contend with during the year, we should continue to embrace the summer fun and frivolity the event brings to the town.

So, after our hangovers subside and the washing-up is finally finished, we should look forward to next year’s Festival – and plan to enjoy ourselves all over again.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk