THE "Queen" arrived in a Rolls Royce and conferred the title of "Royal Chipstead" on a coronation street party at the weekend.
Nearly 700 people poured into High Road, Chipstead, on Sunday for a huge celebration marking 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey.
In glorious sunshine residents celebrated with picnics, fancy dress wheelbarrow races and a "dress like a prince or princess contest", while stilt walkers, musicians and a magician entertained the crowds.
Chris Bloom, who helped organise the event, said: "It was unbelievable, it was just phenomenal.
"Everyone arrived and just went and set up their picnics and we have had so many calls saying how good it was. There was such a good spirit – it was Chipstead at its best."
The party was a follow-up to last year's ill-fated Chipstead Olympics, which were blighted by terrible weather.
But the eight-man organising committee continued undeterred, and Mrs Bloom said they were thrilled to see the sun this year.
She said: "It was an unmitigated wet disaster last year.
"Those who came had a wonderful time but it was the July weekend that was just washed out. Luckily we had sun this time."
With every guest given an allocated spot at one of the 105 tables set up for the event, everyone then got stuck into the games.
As well as the wheelbarrow races there were three-legged events and two local teenagers and a jazz band played music from the stage.
Shortly after 3pm "Her Majesty" swept into the party accompanied by a royal escort to cut the coronation cake, which had been cooked in small sections by residents.
With an ale tent and town crier also on the bill, Mrs Bloom paid tribute to the community spirit which shone through.
She said: "We had the whole team pulling together.
"It was the most wonderful atmosphere. We had a team of volunteers who helped us set up and at the end, everyone helped to stack their tables."
But, despite the success, Mrs Bloom said she is pleased there is not another event next year, adding: "I'm knackered. But the atmosphere was phenomenal."
