Bay House represented in Queen’s Pageant
By Connor Steel
THREE students from Bay House Sixth Form joined 15 secondary students from Bay House and Brune Park Community School gave their best performance this weekend, as they were selected to represent their schools and Gosport at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee People’s Pageant; an event that was watched by high profile members of the Royal Family and millions around the world on TV as the Bank Holiday weekend celebrations reached a memorable climax on Sunday afternoon in central London.
Mei-Ling joined together with two schoolmates Keira and Ellie to perform as part of Act 3: Let’s Celebrate; which was one of four parts that documented how Britain had changed during the Queen’s seventy years at the throne. The trio featured as part of the Queen’s Beast, the Snake Dance and were seen training on the Isle of Wight last week in preparation for their big performance.
Carrying their low budget and self-made snake (designed by ShadeMaker Carnival Club UK based in Isle of Wight), the trio and the younger pupils, marched around a three kilometre route across the capital; taking in the sights of the Mall and Buckingham Palace. They joined over 10,000 fellow performers during the three hour spectacle; showcasing street arts, theatre, music, circus, carnival and costume throughout in a fantastic finale to four days of celebrations across the whole country.
This event was shown live on BBC and can be re-watched on the iPlayer platform for the foreseeable future; with the Queen joining senior royals at its conclusion in a surprise appearance on the Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty was forced to miss the Jubilee Concert on Saturday and a service of Thanksgiving on Friday, citing ongoing health and mobility reasons as the younger generations took her place.
Despite her absences from certain events the Queen released a published statement from Buckingham Palace, thanking everybody for their support and celebrations. She wrote: “When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee.
Her Majesty the Queen continued: “While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family. “I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come. “I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations.”
PICTURE PROVIDED BY HELEN THOMAS (TAKEN BY LEADERS ELEANOR & FAYE; Students on the Mall to Buckingham Palace with their self made snake as they represent their schools and Gosport.
