UNION Jacks flew, anthems were played, and some “good old community fun” was had by thousands across Dorset for day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

While street parties brought neighbours together, various community events across the region brought together strangers who were able to find common ground with a range of festivities.

People in Christchurch enjoyed a family-fun day at Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex, where children had a day of trampolining and bouncy castle fun. They were also invited to trial the leisure centre’s new soft play area, with some lucky enough to meet a life sized Peppa Pig.

Louise Philips, fitness manager at Two Riversmeet, said: “I’m so pleased with how it’s turned out. It’s more than we could’ve hoped for.”

Meanwhile, visitors of all ages enjoyed the heat at Pelham’s Park in Kinson with live music and food carts a welcomed sight for hundreds.

Royal Navy aircraft engineer Connor Wilson, 40, said: “I’m in the navy and she’s been around ever since I’ve been alive and she’s just an amazing woman. Great for the commonwealth, great for our country.

“She is somebody who everyone admires in the navy and all the armed forces.”

Event director Mandy Polkey added: “You see people around in their red, white and blue, waving flags. You just don’t see this normally. This is amazing. It’s bringing people together and I think that’s a really strong message.”

Those in West Parley were serenaded by 1940s style singing duo The Land Girls at the village’s memorial hall and enjoyed a meal and drinks. Those in the hall, comprised of members of Parley Committee and Just Good Friends social club, enjoyed a song and a cheeky dance to a range of classic and current hits.

Shirley Buckley, who turns 90 next month, said: “Well I think it’s wonderful and I think the Queen deserves it. I’m not much of a royalist usually but this is infectious, it really is.”

Outside the hall, resident Josh Faramus – whose uncle was a former groundskeeper at Sandringham – was selling ice creams from his Jubilee bedecked go-kart. Also on the menu was a bake by 12-year-old Sophie Bromidge, which won a best cake competition at the community event.

Hundreds also gathered in Upton Country Park where a big band was on hand to help wash down the revellers’ punch and picnics.

Jan Durman, while enjoying a glass of Pimms, said the Queen was an “amazing monarch” and they wanted to celebrate her reign.

Also in attendance was Anne Peel, whose grandfather used to be Chaplain to St George’s Chapel in Windsor. She said the Queen would have loved the event in Upton.