Pubs, streets, homes agog with royal celebrations
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Streets, pubs, parks and homes came alive with flags, masks and images of the royal family across Britain as Prince William and commoner Kate Middleton took their first steps towards marital status at the Westminster Abbey on Friday.
Giant screens have been put up in Hyde Park, London, and many public places across the country, while over 5,000 street parties heralded what observers said a higher level of fervour than was evident during the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
Global television channels broadcasting live switched from the Westminster village to Bucklebury, the village of the royal bride, where local residents pulled out all stops.
A wedding breakfast, in the hamlet of Chapel Row where the Middletons live, marked the start the day.
A village extravaganza, Tea in the Park, is being held at Bucklebury Farm Park, with local bands playing, a children's contest for the best crown and tiara, ferret racing and other activities culminating in a proms-style fanfare.
A wedding cake, two-and-a-half feet high, will also be cut up for revellers.
There is hardly any place in Bucklebury's two local pubs, the Bladebone and the Cottage Inn.
John Haley, owner of the Old Boot Inn where the royal couple often met over a pint, will be rushing back from the wedding at Westminster Abbey to host his own wedding celebration disco and barbecue.
Reverend Julian Gadsby, priest in charge of the Berkshire parishes of Bucklebury, Bradfield and Stanford Dingley, said bell ringers in the parish church had planned a "full peal" — set to last around three hours — called Bucklebury Delight.
Reports of celebrations poured in from various parts of Britain.
In Leeds, where Kate Middleton's father Michael was born, celebrations were on across the city, and York is staging a fancy dress competition and high tea.
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