A NAILSEA church has apologised for any offence caused after musicians, with an ‘enthusiasm to entertain’, performed and danced on a grandmother’s grave during the jubilee celebrations.

Reverend Jolyon Trickey, of Holy Trinity Church, apologised to the family after they complained when they found the grave was being used as a base for a band’s performance.

The upset grand-daughter, who wished to remain anonymous, said her family had gone to the party on June 4 to commemorate the jubilee, whilst visiting her grandmother who died 18 months previously.

Rev Trickey, who led the jubilee service, apologised privately to the family and has repeated it publically.

He said the band had moved from their original position without the church’s knowledge.

He added: “An appropriate open area of grass in the churchyard was chosen as a suitable place from which I was able to lead a short service.

“In the dark afterwards, and in their enthusiasm to entertain, the music group strayed forward onto ashes tablets under the wall.

“We failed to foresee or prevent this and have learnt lessons for the future. We apologise unreservedly and regret any offence caused.”

An estimated 1,000 people attended events in the area at the church, the Tithe Barn and The Ring O’Bells pub.

The streets around Church Lane were full of stalls and a jubilee beacon was lit to end the evening.