l-r: Aneshka Carroll, six, Esme Hodges, three, and Arabella Carroll, three, dressed to impress in Romford Market

Today’s (Saturday) bustling Romford Market was injected with patriotic colour to mark the beginning of the four days of celebration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Lenny Hurt, four, and sister Francesca, three, aka Spiderman and Spot the Dog in Romford Market

Flags, banners and bunting adorned the stalls, overlooked, of course, by the huge swimming-pool sized Union Jack hanging on Tollgate House scaffolding – courtesy of Havering Council.

Shoppers were treated to stilt-walkers, jugglers, and balloon-artists, thanks to the Circus Company, while children were transformed into weird and wonderful beings by face-painters.

Stallholders too got in on the act, dressing to impress in a variety of red, white and blue costumes.

Dolly Patchin, who works at Wickenders butchers, said: “I’ve even pimped my bike. It’s all part of the party in Romford Market.”

Dolly Patchin, from Wickenders butchers, in Romford Market

A brass band marched the length of the market, led by loudmouth town crier Tony Appleton, and serenaded residents with a variety of British classics.