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‘It feels like we’re back to normal’: Hundreds pack Duthie Park for Platinum Jubilee picnic in the sun

Liz Penny, Ruth McKenzie and Liz McKenzie soak up the sun in Duthie Park.
Liz Penny, Ruth McKenzie and Liz McKenzie soak up the sun in Duthie Park. Photo: Denny Andonova/DCT Media

Hundreds of people spread out colourful blankets for a family picnic at Duthie Park as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee festivities.

Laughter and music filled the green lawn as people of all ages turned up with their food baskets and flags on Sunday for the focal event of this weekend’s celebrations in Aberdeen.

While some took the unmissable opportunity to take a canoe trip on the boating pond, others decided to fully soak up the beaming sun and enjoy the sounds of live music.

Duthie Park packed for Platinum Jubilee picnic

Organised by Aberdeen City Council, the fun-filled event featured live performances from the Bon Accord Silver Band and Newtonhill Pipe Band, who kept the audience entertained throughout the day.

For children, the park was also transformed into a “joyful adventure park” with a wide range of family activities – including face painting and balloon making.

Prince and princess walkabouts were also organised to give families the ultimate royal experience – with dozens of children lining up for a photo with the fancy-dressed pair.

Anne Pryde-Smith, 44, husband James, 39, and daughters Catherine, 7, and Victoria, 9, in Duthie Park. Photo: Denny Andonova/DCT Media

Anna Pryde-Smith, 44, and her family were one of the first ones to take their spot in the park for a full day of activities.

With a basket full of ice cream and hot dogs, she was thrilled to enjoy a “glorious” day with husband James and her two daughters Catherine, 7, and Victoria, 9.

She said: “We thought this would never happen again so we must get involved – and the whole family has been really enjoying it.

“We went to the beacon lighting on Thursday and the kids have been doing a lot of things at school to mark the jubilee – making flags, paper crowns, and taking part in all sorts of ‘royal’ activities, and they have been loving it.

“But the picnic has probably been the highlight. It’s such a glorious day to get out with the family and just enjoy ourselves. We are really making a whole holiday weekend out of it.”

She added: “I think the Queen does a lot for the country and brings a lot of culture. Coming from Australia, we don’t have such rich history and I think the UK would lose a lot if they lost the royal family.”

‘Fantastic way to bring communities back together’

NHS worker Ruth McKenzie thought the Platinum Jubilee celebrations have been a “fantastic” way to bring communities back together after two years of hardship.

The 44-year-old, who is originally from Ireland but has been living in Aberdeen for 20 years, has been taking part in several street parties and colourful celebrations at the bank holiday weekend.

And a family picnic with husband Andrew, 44, mother-in-law Liz McKenzie, 75, and her three-year-old daughter Dara was just the icing on the cake.

Bon Accord Silver Band musical director Richard Kidd, 35, with wife Paula and sons Ramsay, 5, and Finlay, 2. Photo: Denny Andonova/DCT Media

Mrs McKenzie said: “It’s been fantastic for the community. After two years of Covid, being allowed to do something like this and gather with people has been most of the fun. Feels like we are back to normal.

“It’s just nice to see people out and about again – happy and enjoying the sunshine.”

The family was joined by their dear friend Liz Penny, who said the best thing about the family picnic in the park has been seeing so many “jolly” people in the sunshine.

She added: “It’s been lovely. The weather is good, the atmosphere is super, the band’s playing, children are happy, people are laughing – it’s fantastic.

“And it’s a great way to celebrate the Queen. She has been the longest serving monarch and she’s done really well, so we should celebrate that.”