Hundreds of people have packed Ballater on Royal Deeside to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
There was a lively atmosphere across the village as it marked the end of its four days of events to toast the monarch’s 70 years of service.
The Green was filled with families, groups of friends and dogs – some wearing commemorative neck ties- enjoying the Big Jubilee Lunch.
The sun was shining with the temperatures nearing 20C in the afternoon, and people of all ages were able to sit back and enjoy the constant stream of live entertainment on the stage set up next to Glenmuick Church.
“Welcome to Ballater, the most important thing today is you all having fun” were the words which greeted the crowd as the event kicked off, starting with a group rendition of the national anthem.
‘People come to Ballater to see royals’
The royal family has a strong connection with the Aberdeenshire village, with royal visits being considered the norm now for many residents.
Pat Crawford, who was born and bred in Ballater, was joined by Sheila Mcfarlane, Anne Taylor and Irene who all left home early to grab a good spot for the day’s festivities.
She said: “Ballater would just be like any other village without the royals. People come here to see them.
“And it’s really good to see so many people out here today, especially after Covid.”
Matt Marr, one of the Jubilee Committee members, said planning for this weekend’s events began back in January.
“It’s been a piece of work as we’re mirroring the four days of events being held in London, but the whole weekend has been absolutely amazing,” he said.
Mr Marr introduced each group to the stage dressed as the Greatest Showman, fitting in perfectly with the performers from Phoenix Theatre who performed a medley of songs from the popular film.
“The last few days have shown that people have been starved of live music and community during Covid,” he said. “People were crying when the pipe band performed on Thursday night, emotions have been huge.
“We’ve tried to pull in as much as the community as possible. There’s been lots of locals out today but also lots of visitors who have participated in everything. It’s been a complete sell out.”
When asked about his highlight of the celebrations, Mr Marr replied “Just what you see – all of the kids and families enjoying themselves.”
Support from the royal family
Flags designed by local school children to mark the Platinum Jubilee were on display around the stage, with the winning design being chosen by the Duchess of Rothesay earlier this year.
“Both the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay have been very supportive,” Mr Marr added.
There was “something for everyone” at today’s celebration in Ballater, including Aberdeen-based Music4U performing songs from throughout the Queen’s 70-year reign, and the Vintage Girls covering classics from the 1950s and 60s.
Pipe performances from the Ballater and District Pipe Band and The Picnic Pipers also entertained the crowd, with 14-year-old Lewis returning to the stage after piping during the lighting of the Beacon in the village on Thursday night.
Michelle Rose, from Peterculter, travelled to Ballater to enjoy the Platinum Jubilee atmosphere on the day with her friend Lilias Lovie and her daughter, Ava Lovie. The group brought along a picnic to enjoy on the green, as well as Union flags and tiaras.
“It’s an amazing day,” Mrs Lovie said. “The organisers have done a phenomenal job.
“It’s been a packed event for all ages, a massive success. So many people have come out.
Ms Rose added: “We want to say a massive thank you. 70 years is amazing – thank you ma’am.”
Ballater shops dressed for Platinum Jubilee
Union flag bunting and royal-themed window displays covered shop fronts all along Bridge Street, showing the whole village has embraced the jubilee spirit.
Shorty’s ice cream shop was queued out the door as locals and visitors tried to cool down in the sunshine – and the Queen herself was spotted in the queue, albeit in cardboard cutout form.
Many visiting Ballater today had decided to turn the Platinum Jubilee celebrations into a fun family event, including David Paterson, from Portlethen.
The crowd was entertained throughout the afternoon with performances from local performers, including the Keep on Singing Choir and Music4U 🎶 pic.twitter.com/evEJY0HNb8
— Ellie Milne (@elliem_milne) June 5, 2022
“The Queen has done a fantastic job, so it’s important to recognise her achievement,” he said.
“It’s been a good day to all come together and it’s nice to have people out and about again. It’s a lovely atmosphere.
“The most important thing today though is to celebrate the Queen. Something like this won’t be repeated in my lifetime.”
Mr Paterson was joined by a large group of family members, including his sister Samantha Paterson, also from Portlethen.
“We made it into a family weekend,” she said. “It’s been a wonderful day. The weather is the icing on top of the cake.”
The pair’s aunts Margaret Renfrew and Liz McVew travelled up from Ayrshire to enjoy the Jubilee weekend with family.
“If you’re a royalist or not, the Queen has done so much, which is worth celebrating.
“It’s been a great day for the kids to remember. There are events from earlier in my lifetime that I still talk about now.
“She’s a global icon. We’re here honouring the queen.”
Conversation