RAIN may have been dripping off the bunting, but the bad weather did not dampen the patriotic spirit in the Faithful City.

As the rain eased off in the early afternoon, street parties throughout the city began.

In Brookthorpe Close, Warndon, the same four families who organised the Silver Jubilee street party in 1977 once again blocked off the street to celebrate with neighbours.

"People have moved on and new people have moved in, but this is organised by the same four families," said Paul Bellamy, one of the organisers, along with the Westons, Porters and Munns.

"It was hotter on the 25th anniversary, but the only real difference is that party was for our kids and this one is for our grandkids."

All the residents of the 20 houses and their extended families joined in the celebrations in the street - even if it did mean putting up gazebos to shelter from the rain.

At Warndon Community Centre, the downpour did not stop play for a five a-side tournament, one of the many things on offer for residents.

"I thought the weather would put people off but, so far, it hasn't," said acting centre manager Sian Gary, who organised the event.

In Claines, revellers did not let the weather stop them having a good time at a party organised by the church and other local groups.

Among activities were Punch and Judy and magic shows for the children, Appalachian dancers, displays by the Sea Cadets and local arts and theatre groups, a Last Night of the Proms show and fireworks.

In Lechmere Drive, off Henwick Road, the Harris and Solloway families were determined to have a party to remember.

"We were just going to do it no matter what," said Mrs Harris. "We're doing it for the children to give them something to remember."

Meanwhile, the best of British filled Worcestershire County Cricket ground last night.

Four thousand classical music lovers waving Union Jacks and wearing red, white and blue hats descended on the New Road venue for the Wyvern FM event, determined to be part of the historic celebrations.

Although the day made a drizzly start, the sun shone through in time for hordes of picnickers to indulge in the typically English pastime.

n Opinion: P6