THERE’S been talk about it for months and now the wait is finally over as thousands in Comet country prepare today (Friday) to celebrate the biggest wedding of the century so far.

Hertfordshire has nearly 300 registered street parties, including 36 in North Herts, 17 in Stevenage, and 37 registered in central Bedfordshire.

The biggest street party in Comet country is believed to be on Manchester Close in Stevenage, where the current number of confirmed attendees stands at just over 300, with guests including MP Stephen McPartland and Stevenage mayor Cllr Michael Downing.

A committee of 12 have spent months planning the big day, and have a timetable of events planned for the afternoon, which includes a hog roast, plenty of games, and a fancy dress competition, all culminating in the national anthem.

Resident Andy Harvey, who works as a DJ, will also be showcasing music on his decks throughout the day.

“Preparations are going well, we seem to be on top of it all,” said Shimal Thakrar, one of the organisers.

“We’ll be putting the bunting and decorations up in the morning, and we’ll begin celebrations after the ceremony, about 12 o’clock.

“We had the discussion about a party in December, and in January, we started to plan it all.”

Pupils at Fairlands Primary School in Stevenage have also been getting into the spirit of things, and held a two day celebration marking the event.

On Wednesday, they went into school dressed in patriotic red, white and blue clothes and made their own wedding souvenirs, bunting, a London skyline and royal portraits.

Yesterday (Thursday) they held a street party in the school grounds and put on a royal exhibition in the afternoon.

“All 380 children have been working in mixed age groups from nursery to Year 6,” said headteacher Rob Staples.

“It is always lovely to see the older children helping the little ones. The children have had an exciting opportunity to celebrate their national heritage.”

Tomorrow (Saturday), Shillington will play its part in the Royal Wedding weekend celebrations too, with resident Ann Cameron holding a wedding exhibition of dresses through the ages at the village church.

She had already organised the event before the wedding date was announced, and is hoping to raise money for church repairs.

“I was really surprised when I heard that the wedding was that weekend, but it’s actually done us the world of good and tied in really well,” said Ann.

“We’ve got flower displays, old photographs, champagne, wedding cake and 60 beautiful dresses on display so it will be a wonderful occasion.”

Tell us all about your celebrations! Email your pictures to us and let us know how your big day went by emailing editorial@thecomet.net