RAIN failed to dampen the spirits of party-goers celebrating the Queen’s 90th Birthday in Coventry.
Queen Isabella’s ‘medieval gem’ – St John the Baptists Church – welcomed residents to a picnic and party on the grass area by Meadow House in Spon End.
The church, on the corner of Spon Street, was one of six local churches hosting a ‘Big Lunch’ event in the city.
Huddled from the elements under a small marquee, attendees enjoyed a range of activities including face-painting, ‘family Olympics’, and music from The Notables – a local group comprising of members with learning difficulties.
Later in the afternoon, party-goers raised their voices at a special 90th Birthday Songs of Praise, featuring hymns voted for by members of the different churches involved in the event.
At the end of the performance, visitors were invited into the church hall for hot drinks and some birthday cake.
St John’s church warden, Ann Tuesley, said: “It was wonderful to join with other city centre churches and local organisations to support the ‘Big Lunch’ event.
“We were also delighted to welcome members from the five other churches and the community to our beautiful 14th century Grade I listed church to celebrate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Royal Family relation of our founder, the medieval Queen Isabella.
“Raising your voice in song is a great way to celebrate any landmark occasion, and as the only royal church in Coventry, we wanted to do something very special to mark the 90th birthday of our current sovereign.”
