Royal Wedding events in Kent to celebrate Harry and Meghan's big day

by Lauren Abbott

Be it from the pavement or a party - there are plenty of ways to catch coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding.

A number of big screens are being put up in shopping centres and Kent attractions to show the ceremony while the councils have received various applications for road closures to allow street parties to go ahead in towns and villages.

Below are some of the royal wedding-themed events taking part in the county next weekend:

The royal wedding is taking place this Saturday
The royal wedding is taking place this Saturday

Birchington

Quex Park is holding a royal wedding celebration from 11.30am on Saturday. The wedding is being projected into a big screen and party goers will be offered sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee and a welcome glass of prosecco! Tickets are £15. Telephone 01843 846103 to book yours.

Canterbury

Join the launch of Whitefriars in Bloom on Saturday with a royal wedding-themed garden party in Whitefriars Square between 11am and 4pm. The shopping centre won't be screening the wedding itself but free fun throughout the day includes live jazz, face-painting and refreshments. There will also be plant and craft stalls and a bee display by Canterbury Beekeepers.

While at All Saints church in Military Rd, Canterbury will be a super Saturday event showing the Royal Wedding and FA Cup final on a big screen. All ages are welcome and everything is free. Royal wedding celebrations will be from 11.30am to 3pm. Families can bring a picnic, make use of the free tea, coffee and squash, help make a giant card to send to the happy couple, make a crown and take part in the prince and princess dress up competition. The FA Cup final will be from 5pm to 8pm and included a half time penalty shoot-out competition. For more information please go to www.allsaintscanterbury.co.uk

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announcing their engagement last year
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announcing their engagement last year

Cliftonville

Thanet Male Voice Choir will be performing a royal wedding celebration concert at 7pm on Saturday. The singers will be joined by The Orpheus Singers Ladies Choir from Hadleigh in Essex. Holy Trinity Church in St Mary's Road, Cliftonville is hosting the concert, tickets for which are £8 in advance or £10 on the door. For more details visit www.thanetmvc.org.uk

Dover

The Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is hosting a royal wedding afternoon tea. The hotel in Waterloo Crescent is offering a afternoon tea, glass of bubbly and the wedding on the big screen. Tickets are £19.95 and available by ringing 01304 203633.

There are events happening across Kent for Harry and Meghan's wedding
There are events happening across Kent for Harry and Meghan's wedding

East Malling

A royal wedding tea party is taking place at The East Malling Centre in Chapman Way between 11.45 and 3pm. The large community event will include a live showing of the wedding on a big screen, children's activities and afternoon teas. For details and tickets telephone 01732 846314.

Margate

Visitors to Dreamland who share the same name as the royal bride or groom can join the theme park's celebrations for free and make use of an unlimited ride wristband. The Margate attraction is hosting a royal wedding and FA Cup final street party from 10am which will include screening the ceremony live together with an inflatable church and giant 'foot pool' tables. Valid ID will be required to prove your Harry or Meghan credentials or approved variations including Harrison, Henry, Harriet, Megan, Meagan or Meg. Ticket information can be found at dreamland.co.uk

Dreamland in Margate
Dreamland in Margate

Sittingbourne

The Forum Shopping Centre, which until Wednesday, May 16 is offering one lucky couple the chance to win a pair of wedding rings by sharing heart-warming proposal stories through the centre's facebook page, is hosting a royal wedding event on Saturday, May 19. From noon shoppers will be able to watch the ceremony live on a big screen before writing a personalised message in a special book which will be sent to the couple after their big day. The winner of the 'share the love' competition, being run in conjunction with F Hinds, will also be invited to the party for a presentation. More at www.facebook.com/TheForumCentre

Yalding, near Maidstone

A right royal party is being promised in Yalding High Street following the nuptials. Children’s tea will be served at 4pm and there will also be Punch and Judy, hula hoops and games. A hog roast will be served at 6pm, when there will be a bar with local beers, wine and soft drinks. A new cocktail ‘bottoms up’ will have its first outing and there will be live music until 10pm. The fancy dress theme for adults and children is fairy tales. Tickets, including a souvenir mug, are available from the post office, tearooms and library.

There are a number of street parties happening in Kent - but not as many as when William and Catherine wed.
There are a number of street parties happening in Kent - but not as many as when William and Catherine wed.

Leybourne

A party is taking place at the Leybourne Chase development from 2pm until 4pm on the day of the wedding.

Organised by residents and taking place at the new community centre on the development, house builders Taylor Wimpey has donated £250 towards the event which it is hoped will help families get to know each other. There will be a children's play area, face painter and arts and crafts. Budding bakers are encouraged to bring along their finest creations for a ‘Best Bake’ competition and food and drink will be provided but residents are also encouraged to bring something along to share.

Families are being encouraged to bring along to the party something neighbours can share
Families are being encouraged to bring along to the party something neighbours can share

Louise Dernham, from the Leybourne Chase Residents Association, said: “At Leybourne Chase, the residents really see the value and importance of creating a sense of community and belonging at the development. The royal wedding seemed like a perfect excuse to arrange a get together and we are incredibly grateful for Taylor Wimpey’s donation."

For more information about the event, please visit www.facebook.com/events/177224519746636 or email leybournechase.wm@gmail.com.

Queenborough, Isle of Sheppey

A royal celebration is taking place in Queenborough on Saturday. The wedding will be shown on a big screen at Castle Connections before a Picnic in the Park celebration follows at the castle site at 2pm. There will be crown making for children, face painting, a bouncy castle, soft play and a prince and princess fancy dress event and families are encouraged to bring their own picnics to the outdoor event, organised in conjunction with Queenborough Town Council.

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