A right royal knees-up!

Published: 6th May, 2011
by PAVAN AMARA

ROYAL wedding fever built to a merry crescendo on Friday as hundreds of people took to the streets to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. 

And although feelings about the regal marriage were mixed, everybody agreed that meeting the neighbours and having a knees-up was just what the nation needed.

The atmosphere at Quick Street in Angel was of a family celebration.

“It’s like a real family wedding or something,” said Goswell Road resident Nsa Obianagha, 53. “We all dressed up, came out to watch the church service [on a big screen], went home for a rest and then came back out for the party.”

Camilla Reid and Angela Charlton, both 40, whose children go to Hanover Primary School in nearby Noel Road, had prepared for the day with face-painting and baking. 

“This whole wedding has been a bit of a slow-burner. There hasn’t been too much fuss over it, there’s been no hysteria, and suddenly it’s all come together, which is the typical British way,” said mother-of-three Camilla.

Archway’s event was complete with a bouncy castle, free cakes, Pimms and tea on Harberton Road. 

Ahmed Samuel, 14, said he found the wedding “boring”, but enjoyed the celebrations. 

“That whole thing was boring, man,” he said of the church service.

“But now that’s all changed because we’re out and playing games and stuff like that. So sitting through all the church stuff was worth it in the end.”

Owen McCann, 76, was already looking towards the future. 

“I think another one of these [parties] is in order for the jubilee next year. We’ve all had a whale of a time,” he said.

Meanwhile, sitting at a table and feasting on a strawberry trifle, 52-year-old Andy Pullen admitted it had been bought from Waitrose.

“We popped out to get it at about 2pm this afternoon,” he said. “We would have made it ourselves if we knew how to make trifle but we don’t. I suppose they used to know how to make trifles a few decades ago when they had these things going on a lot more. “Really, it was just some kids exchanging vows in posh frocks, but we needed some cheering up, so thank goodness for the party. 

“I’ve lived in this street for over 15 years now, and I can honestly say this is the first street party I remember. In fact, this is the first time we’ve really got to know each other in this way. 

“There’s nothing quite like it. I’m surprised by what lovely neighbours I have.”