OXFORD residents were among the thousands celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at a river pageant and garden party in Henley.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were applauded as they arrived on a passenger steamer by those gathered for the party in the grounds of Henley Business School yesterday afternoon.

More than 30 vessels, including a Viking Boat, working barges and a steam cruiser, took part in a flotilla celebrating the history of the River Thames, organised by a former teacher from Summertown.

Avril Lethbridge was the event’s creative director and helped put together the 15- minute show.

Speaking before the celebrations began, she said: “It was to tell the story of the River Thames, which is the one thing that brings the three counties together.

“What they asked for was a short history of the Thames, and by short I mean short – 15 minutes – which is something visual for the Royal party and other guests to watch.”

The flotilla was backed by music and the likes of actor Jeremy Irons and rower Steve Redgrave telling the history of the river.

About 4,000 people attended the event, after more than 6,000 applied for tickets.

One of the lucky ones was Gladys Jarvis, whose grandson John Allen, 42, applied for tickets to celebrate her 90th birthday in October.

Mrs Jarvis, 89, of Summertown, said: “It was a wonderful day and a wonderful birthday present.”

Her daughter, Ann Allen, 67, of Kennington, said: “I had a wonderful time. It was lovely to see mum enjoying herself so much.

“We enjoyed all the fashions and seeing the celebrities and had a wonderful view of the Queen.”

Mrs Jarvis has lived in Headington most of her life and worked in the county’s fire and rescue service control room during the Second World War.

Oxfordshire Community Foundation was invited by the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Tim Stevenson to host a stall at the event to fundraise. The organisation gives grants of up to £5,000 to Oxfordshire community groups.

Trustee Jane Mactaggart went on the charity’s behalf and was lucky enough to meet the Queen. She said: “It was absolutely wonderful.

“The weather was perfect, the food was perfect and there were a lot of people there. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time.

“I was introduced to the Queen. She was gracious and seemed extremely interest in what the community foundation does. It was just a really nice day.”

The Queen and Prince Philip travelled to the party on Avril, the oldest working passenger steamer on the Thames. The boat was built in 1883.

Guests – who wore national costume, military uniform or suits and frocks – were entertained by school orchestras, Oxfordshire Music Service, brass and military bands and a flypast from two RAF helicopters.

Beth Long, 17 from Didcot, is a pupil at Didcot Girls’ School and a member of Oxfordshire’s Youth Brass Ensemble.

She was one of 50 young people chosen to perform .

Speaking before the party, she said: “We have been rehearsing for quite a few different concerts but this one will be really special and we are all looking forward to it.”

Oxfordshire’s Youth Brass Ensemble were joined by the Oxfordshire Jazz collective and Oxfordshire Flute Choir.

The event was alcohol free and guests, who included Alex James, Tess Daly, Vernon Kay and Phillip Schofield, drank tea or lemonade.

The Royal couple mingled freely among the guests and exhibitors, including Oxford-shire brand Mini.

The party, which was organised by the Lord Lieutenants of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, ended with the National Anthem.