Jubilee bunting in White Lion Square

THERE’S a host of street parties and events arranged across Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Potters Bar for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this weekend.

WHEN it comes to having a right royal knees-up, Hertfordshire certainly knows how to party.

For once again, the county has been crowned the street party capital of the UK.

Just like for last year’s Royal Wedding, residents of Herts have applied for more road closures than anywhere else in the country.

There have been a total of 451 applications – 34 of those in Welwyn Hatfield, and 43 in Hertsmere.

Cllr Stuart Pile, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Hertfordshire residents have shown over the years they know how to throw a party.

“We are delighted so many residents will be able to come together and celebrate the Jubilee with their family, friends and neighbours and remember these events for years to come.”

If you’ve not got a private gathering with neighbours planned, though, there’s a whole host of public events taking place over the extended bank holiday weekend for you to enjoy.

SUNDAY

* Welwyn Garden City FC is hosting a family day at its Herns Way ground.

Entrance is free and among the attractions will be dance displays and a treasure hunt.

* The annual Hatfield Heritage Vehicle Society rally and family fun day includes a Big Lunch to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.

Admission is free and funds raised are for Help for Heroes.

Head to Birchwood Playing Fields from 10am to 4.30pm.

* A Champagne and oyster bar, and live music, will among the attractions at a barbecue at The White Horse Welwyn.

Times are from noon to 7pm.

* Music written for the Coronation in 1953 will be performed by the organist and choir at King Charles the Martyr Church in Mutton Lane, Potters Bar at 10.30am.

Following the special service, there will be a ‘bring a picnic’ lunch from noon until 2pm in the church grounds. All welcome.

* The Fountain of Life Church in Howardsgate, WGC, is hosting an afternoon tea party from 12.30pm to 4pm.

As well as food and drink, there will be free employability skill workshops for jobseekers, and free Bibles available.

* Residents of Handside Lane, WGC – as well as their family and friends – are invited to join a Big Lunch picnic on the green at The Old Drive, near the rugby club footpath, from 12.30pm.

Organiser Lisa Grenfell said the tradition of partying on the green started with celebrations for the millennium, followed by a Golden Jubilee get-together in 2002.

She hopes for the biggest turnout yet.

* The Jimmy Mac’s activity centre for the retired and disabled is having a Diamond Jubilee celebration from 11am to 5pm.

Head to the Jim McDonald Centre in High View, Hatfield.

MONDAY

* The Friends of Moneyhole are inviting all to join them for a picnic in the WGC park from noon to 3pm.

Partygoers are asked to leave their dogs at home, and barbecues aren’t allowed. Funds raised will be for Help for Heroes and the Jubilee Care Trust.

* Ahead of the beacon lighting in the evening, retailers at Stable Yard within the grounds of Hatfield House have teamed up to present a day of music, food and games.

Entry and parking is free, and the fun starts at 10am and lasts right up until the beacon is lit at 10pm.

TUESDAY

* Hatfield Bowls Club is hosting a family fun day at its College Lane base from 1pm until early evening.

All are welcome to drop in to join in the celebrations.