Royal wedding street party bid

Photo: Anthony Miller

FLAG bearers . . . bar managers Hannah Kettleton (left) and Caroline Devanzo

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Bring out the bunting!
TOWN centre cheer could be Oldham’s crowning glory on royal wedding day as a group of businesses aim to shut Yorkshire Street for a giant street party.

Brightly-decorated trestle tables will line the street with hundreds expected to attend the special event — if the council grants permission for the closure.

The idea is the brainchild of bar managing duo Hannah Kettleton and Caroline Devanzo.

Caroline, who runs the Squire Knott, approached Wahoo boss Hannah to ask if she wanted to put up Union Jack bunting to celebrate Prince William and Kate Middleton tying the knot on Friday, April 29.

Caroline said: “We started talking about ideas and it just snowballed.

“We thought if we’re going to do it, we should do it properly.

“The community should get together. We’re going to put all our efforts in, Union Jacks, fancy dress, the lot!”

Other businesses are now backing the bid to pull out all the stops with plans to shut the street in the morning ready for the party which is set to run from noon until 4pm.

Organisers are hoping to emulate the jubilant atmosphere seen across the country at Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981.

Stilt-walking firebreathers, face-painters and dance troupes have been provisionally booked for the celebration. It is also hoped local brass bands, baton twirlers, girl guides and morris men will bring merriment to the town centre for the extravaganza.

They have already spoke to the police, the council’s licensing department and the town centre manager, who they say have greeted the idea with promise.

Caroline added: “This will be a fantastic family occasion and it will show people just what we can offer by creating a brilliant atmosphere.”

Already confirmed to lend a hand are the Corner House, Number 15 and the Old Bank.

However large scale celebrations could be in short supply in other parts of the borough after Oldham Council confirmed they have received only one application for street closures so far.

This has come from residents near Limeside Park.

It is still not too late to apply to have a party in your neighbourhood, with the licensing department poised to consider applications.

Anyone wanting to apply will have to fill in an event safety guide obtainable from Oldham Council.

To get involved in the Yorkshire Street event contact Caroline on 07914-413 840 or email carolinedavanzo@gmail.com




Are you doing something special for the royal wedding? Tell our reporters at news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk