BRITISH bunting and Union Jack flags adorned the streets of Dunstable and Houghton Regis on Friday as the two towns hosted a right royal knees-up to mark the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton – the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
A total of 13 roads were closed as neighbours in Willoughby Close, Hillyfields, Kingscroft Avenue, Tarnside Close, Brierley Close, Mayfield Road, Penrith Avenue, Lovers Walk, Victoria Street, French’s Gate, Bidwell Hill, Watling Place and Mill Road celebrated the special occasion in their street.
And not even a brief outbreak of rain mid-afternoon dampened the festivities, which saw young and old dancing, drinking and being merry until the early hours to make the most of an extra day off work.
In Willoughby Close, Dunstable, there were even little girls dressed in Disney princess dresses with sparkling slippers and tiara not unlike that of William’s bride.
On The Green in Houghton Regis, royal revellers donned red, white and blue and gathered with packed picnics to listen to live music performances from the Just Friends Jazz Band.
The free bash also saw a children’s entertainer for the tiny tots in the crowd, Union Jack bowler hats and commemorative badges for all.
But the fun wasn’t exclusively held on Friday. Many schools and community clubs in the area chose to hold early celebrations before the bank holiday.
And although the newlyweds have already returned to their day-to-day lives, festivities continue this week in Dunstable.
Westfield Nursery School will host a street party on Friday to toast the bride and groom.
>>For more pictures of the Royal Wedding celebrations, in Dunstable and Houghton Regis, see pages 4 and 5.
