YOUNG and old were flying the flag for The Queen yesterday as the sun shone on Oxford’s Jubilee celebrations.

Hundreds of people around the city breathed a sigh of relief that the rain stayed away as they continued partying.

The city’s new Lord Mayor, Alan Armitage, hosted a party in Gloucester Green with street performers, music groups and food stalls.

Local theatre group Under Construction organised fun and games including a knobbly knee competition and broom hockey as well as blind boxing.

Mr Armitage said: “It’s terrific. It’s lovely that so many people have come and the weather is very nice too.

“We have got an amazing number of people in the city from different countries and with different religious beliefs and we manage to absorb them all without any difficulties.”

Witney-based kora player Jali Fily Cissokho, who is originally from Senegal , was among those performing at yesterday’s celebration.

He said: “It is wonderful. I am happy to be singing for The Queen today because my ancestors performed for the queens of the Mali empire.”

Stephen Gower, from Cowley, who took his son Thomas to the flag-making workshop, said: “We almost didn’t come out because of the weather on Sunday, but I am glad we did.

“We have seen all sorts of different things and it’s been great.”

Meanwhile in Risinghurst, the parish council held a huge picnic in the playing field in Grovelands Road with games, live music and food.

Ringwood Road resident Barbara Naylor helped organise the day.

She said: “The day has been going just fine, and we have been very lucky with the weather.

“It has brought the whole community together and we have decided to make it an annual event.”

The people of Rose Hill held a street party outside the community centre in Desborough Crescent, with plenty of fun and games on offer inside for the youngsters.

Rivermead Road resident Wendy Rees, 69, said: “There was a party atmosphere in Rose Hill, and the children loved it.

“There were all sorts of things going on and I even did some zumba with my mother!”

The Old Bookbinders in Jericho organised a hog roast, barbecue and some live music for the area’s Jubilee celebrations.

Landlord Josh Mullett-Sadones said: “It has been crazy-busy.

“The whole of Jericho seems to have turned out and people have come from further afield as well.

“The weather is great and everyone is in high spirits. It’s absolutely fantastic.”