Government urges councils to waive road closure charges for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding
The government is urging councils to waive their charges for road closures on May 19, in the hopes of encouraging Britain to celebrate the Royal wedding with thousands of street parties.
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will fall on a Saturday, the same day as the FA Cup final, with leaders hoping the mood of celebration will buoy the public.
They today launch a “handy guide” to throwing a street party, reminding keen organisers to get in touch with local councils in good time to plan road closures and insurance.
Information from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government States: “Many councils, from Bromley to Salford, have already announced that they are waiving charges for street party road closures, making it easier and cheaper than ever to hold celebrations.
“The government is urging other councils to follow suit.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011 saw bank holiday street parties held throughout Britain, including on Downing Street.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Cardiff, in pictures
There will be no extra day off for the marriage of Prince Harry, fifth-in-Line to the throne, and Meghan Markle, who wed at Windsor Castle on May 19 before taking a carriage ride around the town to greet those who have turned up to see them.
Chris Gittins, who runs streetparty.org.uk, said the celebrations will show a “fantastic part of British culture", adding: “It's a rare excuse to meet neighbours really, a traditional excuse to meet neighbours in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Guy Oliver, from the Old Barn Inn in Glooston, said they would be throwing a street party to encourage people to “come together in a community”.
"It'll be a few union jacks and we're going to serve food to everyone's taste,” he said. Sandra Hastings, founder of Newcastle-based charity Silverline Memories which helps those with dementia, said she is planning a “good old-fashioned party with bunting, and red white and blue balloons, and trestle tables with tonnes of homemade food".
"At our charity we provide people with the opportunity to do things they wouldn't have done otherwise, and take any excuse for a knees up,” she said.
Jake Berry MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State said: “We’ve made it easier than ever for local residents from all backgrounds to come together to celebrate the royalwedding and we hope councils will get into the spirit by helping people wishing to organise street parties.
“With the FA Cup final taking place on the same day, there's never been a better reason to hold a street party and our updated guidance makes clear the steps residents need to take to ensure an enjoyable and safe day is had by all.”
