A community in Widnes has joined together with The Trust to ensure local people of all ages have the chance to celebrate the Royal Wedding in style.

More than 40 volunteers in West Bank have offered to help with preparations and running events on the day.  This is being supported by a £1,000 donation from Halton Housing Trust.

“When a community comes together in this way it is important we play our part to support their efforts,” said Noel Sharpe, Director of Customer Services with the Trust.

“This should be a great day for the whole country and it is wonderful to see the local community joining together to celebrate.”

The event has been planned by the new West Bank Steering Group – local vicar Jeremy Duff, Ward Councillor Pamela Wallace, head teacher of West Bank Primary School Martin Quinn and chair of the West Bank Community Forum Julie Baker, who are working together to ‘make West Bank an even better place to live.’   

The event – open to all West Bank residents – will start at around 10am on the big day with live coverage of the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on a massive screen in St Mary’s Church.  Tea and coffee will be served during the build up and the ceremony itself. Beamont Street, decked out with bunting, will open up for a street party and there will be room for more sedate celebrations in the church hall.

Among the fun on offer in the afternoon will be a bucking bronco, giant Connect4, donkey rides along the promenade as well as a tug-of-war competition.

“There will be a men’s and women’s tug-of-war and things are starting to get quite competitive,” said Julie Baker, Chair of West Bank Community Forum. We hope the day will bring everyone together and it will just be an opportunity for everyone to celebrate and have a good time.”

Food served on the day will include old-fashioned jellies and potted spread butties as well as a variety of other treats.  The day will end with a ceremony at the church where anyone can reaffirm their love for another person - whether it be mums and daughters, fathers and sons or couples.
Halton Borough Council is also supporting the event through its Area Forum Panel and intergenerational fund.  Spots and Stripes – the Cadbury initiative aimed at promoting competitive sports – is providing traditional children’s games.  Other support has come from the Children’s Centre, West Bank school and Special Occasions florists.

Julie said: “If we don’t show our children how to throw a great street party then these kinds of traditions will wither away.  We feel it is important that it isn’t allowed to happen.”

For more details about the celebrations call 0151 424 2221.