Royal Wedding Street Parties!
As the day on which Kate and Wills plan to tie the knot draws closer, and PM David Cameron urges the nation to embrace street-party fever, UKbride takes a look at how the country will celebrate the hugely anticipated Royal Wedding...
It all started with a proposal last October, but Kate Middleton and Prince William will finally take their vows and become husband and wife on Friday, April 29th.
With the wedding now just around the corner, how can those of us without royal connections join the celebrations and commemorate the big day?
One million Brits are estimated to be taking part in official street parties over the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend — this is the largest number since the last royal wedding of Charles and Diana which was in 1981.
Chris Gittins, Director of Streets Alive, says; "This tradition is so great for the country for building a sense of community spirit at the street level. Residents meet an average of eight new neighbours, our research has shown. Also, most residents, up to 85%, attend which is unique compared to any other type of event."
Final figures from the Local Government Association on 21st April state that 5,500 formal road closures have been arranged where traffic-free events are being held by residents, 825 of which are in London.
Streets Alive predict this figure will double through more informal 'StreetMeets' which will be held in gardens or on driveways on the day — taking the figure up to an estimated two million — after numerous enquiries were made through the Street Party Site about how to get involved in the events of April 29th.
The popularity of street parties celebrating the royal wedding was expected to be less since William and Kate chose to tie the knot during the Spring — this will be the first event to be held outside the Summer season since street parties began in 1919.
The Prime Minister David Cameron has also called on the nation to embrace royal wedding celebrations, urging them to "get on and have fun" as the occassion will be "a chance [to] celebrate the great things about our country."
The PM himself will be partaking in street party fever too. Mr Cameron said; "Samantha and I will be holding one in Downing Street and bringing together local people and charities.
"My message to everyone who wants to have a street party is: 'I'm having one and I want you to go ahead and have one too.'
"The truth is that this is a great chance for communities to come together and celebrate.
"So go on - let's make this a day to remember. For everyone."
From all at UKbride; Take to the street, bring out the bunting, and crack open the Champers for a royal knees-up!
Regent Street, London. Image: Aurelien Guichard under Creative Commons License.
London's Covent Garden — Host to the Royal Wedding. Image: Rev Stan under Creative Commons License.
Are you taking part in a street party to celebrate the Royal Wedding? Let us know on our Forum!