Mayor's picnic brings family fun to Cowley
Wednesday 11 June 2025: More than 1,500 residents attended this year's Mayor's Picnic in the Park in Cowley Recreation Ground on Saturday (7 June) as part of Hillingdon Council's celebrations to mark the borough's Diamond Jubilee.
Visitors enjoyed live dance and music performances on the main stage, boat trips down the Grand Union Canal, a climbing wall, face painting, inflatables and an appearance by Queen Elsa, from the Disney animation, Frozen.
The musical highlights included the vintage harmony group, The Candy Girls, and a variety of bands from Hillingdon Music Service.
Officers from the council's libraries, children's and adult service were on hand offering information and advice to visitors.
Other attractions included a guest appearance from the Transformer, Optimus Prime, a Punch and Judy show and a balloon artist, who created more than 500 balloon models for excited young visitors.
This year's event was sponsored by Heathrow Airport.
Cllr Corthorne said: "It was wonderful to meet so many residents and see the community come together for a fun-filled picnic. Thank you to everyone who braved the rain and enjoyed the picnic in the park with me.
"The performances were brilliant and kept everyone's spirits high - and I even got to meet a Transformer.
"A special thank you to Heathrow Airport and Greyline whose support helped make the event a success."
Becky Coffin, Heathrow's Communities and Sustainability Director, said: "We were delighted to join our neighbours for such a great celebration.
"We are proud to call Hillingdon our home and it was wonderful to see so many of our colleagues out enjoying the event. Our Heathrow Rangers' gardening drop in stall really proved a hit."
The borough's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, which began in April, mark 60 years since the formation of the borough and local authority.
For more events and activities taking place across the borough, visit discover.hillingdon.gov.uk.
