Wilmslow celebrates with a right royal street party

Crowds gathered on Grove Street this afternoon to celebrate the Royal Wedding with a traditional street party.

The sun came out as Wilmslow residents got together with their friends and families to enjoy the entertainment and share a picnic.

Hosted by Imagine FM, the party kicked off with a welcome from organiser Khumi Burton, without whom the event wouldn't have happened.

After wishing Kate Middleton and Prince William all the best for their future, Khumi extended her welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Cheshire East and "our own dear friend Willliam Roache MBE."

William Roache told me "I think it's a wonderful occasion which is a shear joy. We are celebrating the marriage of a lovely couple, which has shown Britain at its best, and its bringing the community together."

The crowds were entertained by Wilmslow Swing Singer Alan Burton and dances from Manipur in India, including a Manipuri dance, Bamboo dance and a Bollywood dance. These were followed by an impromptu performance from local opera singer Phillipa and a surprise appearance from children's favourite Peppa Pig.

The youngsters were also kept amused with face painting at Banks Square and a bouncy castle, organised by Sainsbury's who were raising funds for their charity of the year JJ's Sensory Play Centre in Macclesfield.

Refreshments were available for those who hadn't brought a picnic, including Eccles cakes made by Red Cross volunteer Carole Harris.

Carole told me "So far I have made 1200, I was only supposed to make 300 to 400 but I've still got more to do. It's something I've always done so it was easy for me to make and sell them to raise money for the Red Cross."

Prizes for the Kate and William look-alike competition were presented by William Roache and Gordon Baxendale, the Mayor of Cheshire East, to the lucky winners: James Jones, Kristopher Jones, Edward Doyle, Aliessia Doyle and Mia Caruna.

Speaking after the party Khumi said "It's been wonderful, there's been lots of smiling faces and everyone enjoyed themselves.

"I would like to thank everyone for coming and making this such a memorable afternoon."