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Summer Street Party in Ilford, Essex

They say that there’s always a first time for everything.  I had never been to a street party before but was invited to my first one recently.  I wasn't sure what to expect but when we arrived, the first thing I noticed was that the street was actually closed off to the public.  There were gazebos and chairs and tables out for everyone.  All the neighbours were out talking to each other and the children were having a great time on the bouncy castle, playing ball games, table football, carom, face painting or having henna put on. 

 

It was a glorious sunny day and it was lovely to see neighbours all out chatting and mixing with each other.  There were people from all parts of the world and everyone had a great time.  The day ended with a tug-o-war competition, which was won by the ‘evens’.  The odds will seek revenge next year!

 

Taking photographs was a pleasant experience and much less stressful than usual. There was no posing or setting up lights required.  It was nice to walk around and shoot people who were simply enjoying themselves and not worried about the camera.

 

The Egg and Spoon race for the youngsters was taken very seriously but naturally resulted in a few egg casualties!

The Egg and Spoon race for the youngsters was taken very seriously but naturally resulted in a few egg casualties!

You can't beat a bouncy castle for continuous enjoyment.  Alas, there was a height restriction and so the adults had to make their own entertainment....

You can't beat a bouncy castle for continuous enjoyment.  Alas, there was a height restriction and so the adults had to make their own entertainment....

Fortunately, there was musical entertainment on hand for the older generation.  The singer belted out some classic golden oldies!

Fortunately, there was musical entertainment on hand for the older generation.  The singer belted out some classic golden oldies!

The weather was perfect for BBQ cooked food and there was no shortage of grub.

The weather was perfect for BBQ cooked food and there was no shortage of grub.

The food was enjoyed by all

The food was enjoyed by all

One of the youngsters was a dhol player and he kept everyone entertained and added the Asian twang to the day.

One of the youngsters was a dhol player and he kept everyone entertained and added the Asian twang to the day.

A lovely day ended with a tug-o-war with the 'Odds' versus the 'Evens'

A lovely day ended with a tug-o-war with the 'Odds' versus the 'Evens'

Every competition needs a trophy and this year the Evens claimed the spoils of war

Every competition needs a trophy and this year the Evens claimed the spoils of war

After a long, hot day of playing, jumping, dancing and eating...... There's nothing quite like a nice lolly to cool things off.

After a long, hot day of playing, jumping, dancing and eating...... There's nothing quite like a nice lolly to cool things off.