Anoraks to fore at The Big Jubilee Lunch

Only a handful of people braved the rain in Millennium Square yesterday to watch the Thames pageant on a big screen.

However, armed with anoraks and umbrellas, they were determined to have fun whatever the weather.

Jessica Lovatt, 24, who was with friends from university, said: “We’re big fans of the Queen and we wanted to watch the pageant.

“We’ve got a lot of gin, some Pimms and some coronation chicken sandwiches and we’re going to stay here until it’s all gone.”

Her friend Hannah May, 25, added: “It’s British, isn’t it? You’ve got to sit around in the rain.”

At a neighbouring picnic table, Jenny Bright, 42, shared their attitude as she and partner Gavin Lowrie, 40, were joined by their friend Lucy Metcalfe, 39, and her son Simeon Archibald, seven.

She said: “I think the Jubilee has really lifted the nation’s spirits.

“You can either sit at home and be miserable or you can just keep calm, get wet and carry on.”

Sandy Mitchell, of Leeds City Council’s events team, said the weather was disappointing, but added: “The people that are here have definitely come well-equipped and ready to have fun no matter what.”