A vibrant crowd gathered at The Red Lion on Saturday afternoon to mark VE Day with a joyous celebration packed full of music, games, and a hearty helping of Cockney charm. Hosted by Overton Radio’s Rob Francis, the event was hailed as a tremendous success by organisers and guests alike.
Adding a unique touch of tradition and flair were Lola Gibbard, the Pearly Queen of Norbury, and David Helmsley, the Pearly King of Harrow, who delighted the crowd with their infectious energy, singalongs, and sparkling personalities. Their performance added a perfect sense of nostalgia and East End pride to the day’s events.
Live music was provided throughout by Kevin Ridgeon, whose mix of wartime classics and uplifting favourites kept spirits high and feet tapping from start to finish. His set brought the crowd together in song and celebration, rounding off the event with a perfect soundtrack.
In addition to the entertainment, a stunning classic car display provided a nod to the past, with vintage vehicles lined up outside the pub, sparking plenty of admiration from attendees. The cars, lovingly restored and polished to perfection, added a nostalgic touch to the festivities.
“The atmosphere was just brilliant,” said Rob. “From Lola and David’s performance to Kevin’s fantastic music, it really felt like the whole community came together to celebrate in style.”
The event also featured a hilariously popular human fruit machine, and a lively game of bingo that drew out everyone’s competitive side — and more than a few loud cheers from the winners.
As the day came to a close, Rob shared: “It was such a pleasure to be involved. The community came together in the best way, with laughter, music, and a lot of fun. A truly memorable afternoon.”
Photos: The Red Lion, Rob Francis
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