RESIDENTS threw street parties across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as communities came together to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

Celebrations transcended generations as young and old celebrated the historic event, with 177 street party road closures confirmed by BCP Council.

The wet weather did not deter party-goers on Saturday, as residents celebrated the day of King Charles’ coronation in true British style.

One such party was on Mansfield Close in Poole, organised by residents Alex Perry and Helen Lewis.

Alex said: “We’re a really friendly and lovely street. We’ve had a WhatsApp group together since Covid.

“It’s just really nice for the kids to be able to play in the road and enjoy themselves. We put everything up at midday, but everything kicked off at about 2.30pm with the rain.”

Across town in Haymoor Road, Helen Wallis said they too had connected with their community during the pandemic.

“When everyone was outside clapping during covid, there was lots of talk about when it’s all over we’d have a street party,” she said.

“We had one last year, and it went so well. It really brought people together, so we thought let’s do it again.”

The weather improved on Sunday, as the sun came out for those hosting parties for the Big Lunch.

Residents in Bethia Road, Bournemouth, celebrated “a real community thing” as they came out in force, while Albermale Road residents were thankful the weather held off.

“We couldn’t have chosen a nicer day for it,” an Albermale Road resident told the Daily Echo.

King George Avenue, Bournemouth, party organiser, Simon Lincoln, said: “When you’ve got a royal road, how can you not have a party?”

Valette Road was also celebrating on Sunday, with Sue Matthews saying: “We had one last year which was a bit of trial run, but it was a huge success.

“So, we wanted to make sure we did it again.”

The weather turned bad again on Monday, but that didn’t deter residents in Christchurch from celebrating in their communities.

Wickfield Close residents had assembled an impressive shelter from a number of gazebos to keep the rain out.

One of the organisers, Jane Crabb, said: “Everybody’s mucked in”, with partygoers enjoying sandwiches, cakes and scones.

Regency Crescent, near Christchurch Hospital, celebrated in style and making the most of the closed road, despite the weather.

Appropriately named Jonathan Charles came dressed as a coronation chicken, and said it was “very British” to celebrate such an historic event in the rain.

He said: “Obviously it’s been a little damp, but it’s all come good."