Residents delight in royal wedding celebrations
Hundreds of people celebrated the royal wedding with a street party across Newbury and Thatcham
THERE were two contrasting sides to Newbury last Friday, with the shopping area resembling a ghost town but pubs, homes and streets full of people partying.
Hundreds went to street parties or watched the televised coverage in pubs, leaving the town centre virtually deserted and free from the usual hustle and bustle of a bank holiday.
Some disinterested folk found anything else to do to avoid the royal wedding, including walking their dogs, grabbing a coffee or taking a stroll through the deserted parts of Newbury.
There was, however, plenty of patriotism on show, with street parties taking place in Gloucester Road, Howard Road, Priory Road, Oaken Grove, Regnum Drive and The Grange, to name but a few.
Residents decked out their streets with gazebos, barbecues, and trestle tables for people of all ages to enjoy copious amounts of fun, fancy dress, party games and food and drink.
Howard Road resident Lorraine Murrell said that the day was memorable for the 200 people celebrating on their street, with a trumpet fanfare, a talent competition and crown-making among the activities enjoyed, followed by a grand afternoon tea.
Away from the crowds, Bill Sharp watched the wedding service on his barge on the Kennet and Avon Canal.
The town's residents were not the only ones enjoying themselves though.
Workers at some of the town's shops took advantage of the quiet spells to enjoy some wedding fun with staff at Curry's catching a glimpse of the wedding in store while carrying out merchandising and staff at The Accessory Queen on Northbrook Street using cardboard cut outs to turn into members of the royal family.
COMMUNITY spirit was also thriving in Thatcham as people celebrated with street parties and events in pubs.
At the Wheatsheaf pub in Chapel Street, the landlord, Salim Uddin, held a fun day with a barbecue and bouncy castle.
He said that he had a busy day and that many people from Bucklebury went along to join in.
He said: “People have enjoyed the wedding.
“People have been loving it.”
Vic Pye organised a party for the people living in Exmore Road and during the party they had quizzes, a raffle and food and drink.
He said: “We are having a wonderful day."
Another street party was organised for the residents of Woodavon Gardens by Kev Weeks.
He said: “It is a fantastic coming together of the street and it's really nice to see all age groups here.
Over at Jedburgh Close, there was dressing up, food and a bouncy castle and Barley Close had sparklers and balloons.
About 30 people attended the party at St Johns Road where there was pass the parcel and celebrity guessing games.
Thatcham Free Church in Green Lane also held a family day on Saturday which included celebration tea, a fancy dress competition and games and crafts.
To see a video from out and about in Newbury and Thatcham, click on the video link above.
Meanwhile, to see pictures of royal wedding celebrations around the district, click on the link to the picture gallery on the left hand side of the screen.
