There are two types of people in this world: the ones who like any excuse to party and the ones who like any excuse to moan. To be perfectly frank, I usually fall into the latter category; I’m a professional, seasoned moaner. It came as a bit of a surprise then, to feel a flutter of excitement when reading the schedule of events for Friday the 29th April. Much more than the media circus, the memorabilia, the romance or the patriotism, the compelling part of Bonny Prince Billy and Kate’s committal is, for me, the huge wave of nostalgia I’m feeling. Odd though, since I’m too young to have ever experienced such a public fever, complete with its side effects of disdain and nonchalance, before.
I know we are divided. I know the endless press releases for everything from teabags to face creams, leeching off the back of these sovereign nuptials, are wearing very thin indeed. The blanket media coverage is dreaded and welcomed in equal measure but the cynical always end up shouting louder. For 12 hours, in exchange for a day off work, I’ll gladly offer up my regular viewing schedule. I won’t be sat in front of the telly anyway; the whole point of this nostalgia is to share it. I’ll be having a party, with friends and cake and games. Even if you don’t agree with it, for I know there are numerous valid reasons, it’s happening, so why not celebrate something, anything.
Out of all the events happening on Friday 29th, these, I hope, will be the least parma-violet (my code word for heave-inducing)
The Leonard Street Royal Wedding Street Party with The Book Club
Friday 29th April
10.30am – 5pm
FREE wristbands available from The Book Club, Pure Evil and The Griffin
With easily the best party in the East, Leonard street promises six and a half hours of fancy dress, cocktails, bunting and flags; bands, balloons, party games and bbq. With a Chas ‘n’ Dave tribute, a brass band, a lindy-hop and swing group, a pop-up gallery, roaming vintage from Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair and Rag & Bow and, my personal favourite, the perfect victory rolls in under 15-minutes promised and performed by the stylists from High Roller.
I’m not sure I can go on, I’m getting more and more jealous that I can’t go…a live screening, fish ‘n’ chips, royal wedding boozy punch and maybe an appearance from the Pearly Kings and Queens of London, seriously it cannot get better than this. There’s even a party-after-party at The Book Club in Shoreditch. Check out the Facebook for more information.
I Do
The Victoria & Albert Museum
Friday 29th April
18:30- 22:00
Free
Another brilliant Friday Late from the clever bods at the V&A, this night will feature a Victorian-themed street party in the style of Edward VII and Alexandra’s 1863 wedding. You’ll have the chance to make commemorative bunting and Victorian-style keepsake handkerchiefs, have a sing song and some trifle, throw some plates and pose for wedding photos. All attendee’s are encouraged to wear bridesmaid dresses and morning suits and fashion designer Louise Gray will be there to award the best dressed.
Wills and Kates go Free
London Zoo- Regents Park
Friday 29th April- 1st May
The reason I’m the most annoyed I’ve ever been ay my mum not passing down her name to me.
To celebrate the long weekend of the royal wedding, London Zoo is offering free entry to anyone whose name is Will (or William) or Kate (or Catherine); you'll need to bring proof of your name in the form of photo ID such as a passport or driving licence. Genius.
Royal Wedding Celebration
Harewood House, Leeds
Friday 29th April
Entry fee applies
One for those further north, Harewood House looks beautiful in the photos and their huge grounds are the perfect place for a royal celebration. The courtyard will be strewn with bunting and will host a fantastic selection on cakes and other treats. Plasma screens will show the wedding but if you get bored when the camera starts rolling, there will also be a vintage clothing and wedding fair to wander round!
And finally, Tatty Devine’s Bank Holiday Pop Up Shop
Friday 29th April- Monday 2nd May
11am- 7pm
Happy Shack, Stables Market, Chalk Farm.
To coincide with the yearly Camden staple that is the Camden Crawl festival, Tatty have set up shop in the Stables a bank holiday bonanza! There will be bargain boxes, giveaways, royal wedding memorabilia, record jewellery, styling and more and thank god it’s only down the road from me because I’ll be there bright and early on Friday morning!
Because you were all I listened to for a year when I was 19, because you were brave and beautiful, because you wrote my favourite song, because you screamed the loudest and because you made me happy to be a girl. I prayed you would get through it. I'm so sad you're gone.
