Diamond Jubilee pageant

Crowds head towards the Diamond Jubilee pageant 

Sunday saw the Diamond Jubilee pageant.

Over one thousand boats took part in the seven-mile flotilla between Battersea and Tower Bridge. This spectacle was advertised as being one of the largest flotillas ever assembled on the river and the grandest event staged on the Thames for 350 years. Commentators spent the day likening it to a Canaletto painting.

Reuters

getty image

Rowed boats, working boats pleasure vessels, historic boats, wooden launches, steam vessels, music barges and boats spouting geysers. There was even a floating belfry, which had its chiming bells answered by the bells from riverbank churches. And in the middle of this floating celebration was Her Majesty and selected members of the royal family on the Royal barge - the Spirit of Chartwell.



Millions of people braved the terrible weather to line the banks of the river Thames. For those unable to see the river, large screens displayed the proceedings.

At Tower Bridge, watching the big screen

The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal College of Music Chamber Choir performed the National Anthem amid driving rain. Then Tower Bridge closed its bascules as fireworks erupted as the events finale.
The crowds were expecting a little shower, but what they got was heavy icy rain. Not good. However, the people who braved the elements seem to have had a good time, bonding with other revelers.

Before the rain

After the rain

Photos courtesy of Tatiana Velez Ba (and getty image and Reuters)

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