Bucklebury buzzes with wedding excitement

Revellers watched the wedding at the Cottage Inn after enjoying free breakfast at Peach's store

BUCKLEBURY was buzzing this morning in the build up to the wedding.

Strawberries were sliced, corks popped and people pulled up their chair as they passed the time until 11am - when the ceremony at Westminster Abbey began.

The Cottage Inn held a fun day in a field behind the pub with a bouncy castle, stalls and a big screen.

Many pondered the design of Catherine Middleton's dress and Elaine Hyland, of Thatcham-based CreativeCrafts 4U, predicted that the dress would reflect the "elegant Kate".

Bucklebury resident Janet Knight said: “It's lovely because she is from the village.

“It's just such a day to be proud of Bucklebury.”

One of the more elaborately dressed guests, Charles Barthrop, who came dressed as a human Union Jack said: “I'm on a blind date and said I would wear something red, white and blue, so I did.”

Over at Peach's Store, in Upper Bucklebury, the shop staff held down the fort as owners Hash and Chan Shangadia, were lucky enough to have received an invitation to the royal wedding.

The staff at their store were busy handing out free breakfast to those who turned up as everyone in the village was invited.

Guest, Bryan Walters said that he was sure that Mr Shangadia would have loved to have been in Bucklebury but would also be loving his day in London.

Lyn Lewis said: “I don't think she will have the long dress like Diana's.”

After all the excitement during the build-up, there were cheers and shouts of joy as spectators were thrilled by the ceremony.

By 1.30pm, around 2000 local residents and visitors had made their way to the Tea in the Park party in Bucklebury Farm Park and the party was in full swing.

Live music from The Difference was paused while people gathered to watch the newly-weds kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

One local partygoer, Alice Yardley, said: "It is just like Bucklebury. Bucklebury always has a party atmosphere because we are such a tight-knit, little community. It is wonderful to be here."

The music is set to continue throughout the afternoon as people mingle and chat inside a variety of tents and stalls. A wedding toast took place at 2pm and a crown and tiara competition will also be held later on.

The alcohol is flowing freely and people are glad the weather has held out.