Britons brace for royal wedding bash

Reuters/London

A commemorative plate to celebrate the upcoming royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on sale at Mulberry Hall in York northern England yesterday

Thousands of Britons are planning to get out the bunting, balloons and fold-up tables and hold street parties across the country to celebrate next month’s wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
About two thousand requests have already been made to local councils for road closures to allow street events to be held on April 29 when the couple tie the knot at London’s Westminster Abbey, the Local Government Association said yesterday.
London has received the most applications with 70, followed by Essex, the county northeast of the capital, which has had 46.  Dozens of requests have also been sent to local authorities in Wales, western, northern and central England.
"Street parties are an established part of British culture, they’re a great way for people to meet their neighbours and strengthen community bonds,” said Chris White, chairman of the LGA’s Culture and Tourism Board.
"It’s great that we’re seeing such community spirit sweeping the nation. And these applications are only for parties which require a road closure, there will be many more celebrations in gardens and homes across the country.”
In order to help, some councils have waived the usual fee to close roads while others are offering party packs for organisers, with free bunting and flags.
"The eyes of the world will be on William and Kate on April 29 and I am sure that many Britons will use the excuse to celebrate,” said Claudia Joseph, author of "Kate: The Making or a Princess”.
"After all it is a public holiday -- and everybody loves a party.”