Having a ball

Photo: Pictures by DARREN ROBINSON, ANTHONY MILLER, CHRIS SUNDERLAND and GARETH LOWE

A RIGHT royal jig by dancing Courtney Newton at the Yorkshire Street party

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‘It makes you proud to be British’

IT WAS the love story that captured the hearts of the world and Oldham was no exception.

The bunting was out and barbecues were fired as royalists and revellers marked the historic marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on Friday, April 29.

From children to centenarians, it was party time as supporters waved their union jacks in celebration.

Roads were abandoned and the town centre was eerily quiet as locals gathered around TV screens to witness the moment the radiant bride stepped out of her car at Westminster Abbey.

But once the happy couple had said their ‘I DO’s’, it was out into the sunshine — and the rip-roaring winds — to start the party.

Showing the country that our borough can do it best, locals were literally dancing in the streets at the crowning glory that was the Yorkshire Street party.

Steel drums, an inflatable slide, cake sellers, fairground rides and even Chaddy the Owl saw the street come alive, festooned with colourful flags.

Town centre manager Sara Hewitt, who was among revellers, said: “I’m really proud of the businesses that pulled off the party.

“It’s brought so many families into the town centre, lifted spirits and now we’ve seen how well it works we will look into repeating it in the future.”

Sporting a brightly-painted face and wearing red, white and blue, partygoer Kelly Needham said: “It’s great to have something like this to look forward to and so many generations have come together.

“It makes you proud to be British.”

The town even took its place in the national spotlight, as reporters for BBC Radio 1 reported from the town- centre festivities during news shows throughout the day.

But celebration wasn’t confined to the town centre.

Schools got in on the act earlier in the week, while there were also a number of street parties around the borough, including a Royal Wedding Party in the Park in Limeside Park and a fun day at Coppice Community Centre.

A number of roads were closed for street parties and 30 neighbours in Alligin Close, Chadderton, had a traditional knees-up with bunting, children’s games, food and beer.




THE accompanying pictures are a small fraction of the shots available in tonight’s Oldham Chronicle and eChron. And you can see many more by clicking the photo tab at the top of the page