Harrogate District prepares to party as nation watches royal wedding

Venues across the Harrogate District are sending out their own set of invitations for the royal wedding, as the nation prepares to watch Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tie the knot on Saturday, May 19.
The Royal celebrations will see street parties across the country.The Royal celebrations will see street parties across the country.
The Royal celebrations will see street parties across the country.

Pubs, care homes and churches are just a few of the places you can watch the royal engagement on a big screen in the Harrogate District.

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At The Knox pub, on Knox Lane in Bilton, there will even be a royal themed menu, boasting Eggs Royale, bacon and sausage sandwiches as well as handmade scones!

Owner at The Knox, Katie Swannie, said: "It's a great thing to do, you have got to get behind it. We have got some bunting up too and we are decorating the room with Union Jacks and, of course, everyone is more than welcome to stay on with the celebrations and watch the FA Cup final with us too!"

The Knox will be open from 11am on Saturday, entry is free and wedding-watchers are invited to turn up when they wish.

At St Mark's Church on Leeds Road, Harrogate, the showing of the Royal Wedding will be complimented by the church's 'pay-as-you-feel' café - 'Resurrected Bites'.

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The volunteer-run café, which was launched in January, aims to reduce food waste in the Harrogate District with a proportion of its profits going to a different charity each month.

Guy Donegan-Cross, vicar at St Mark’s, said: “I’m sure Harry and Meghan would love it, Resurrected Bites is just up their street. Community fun, good use of food, and volunteer action raising money for charities.

"It’s a café for the whole community – don’t watch it on your own at home. Come and join the crowd and celebrate together!"

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The café at St Mark's will be open from 10am-2pm on Saturday and this month it will support Christian Aid.

St Peter's Church, on Cambridge Road in Harrogate Town Centre is having a Royal Afternoon Tea Party while screening the wedding.

Finger sandwiches, cakes, scones with cream and jam and other nibbles will be provided from 11.30am-2.30pm. Entry is £5 per person.

To ensure no-one misses a slice of the glitz and glamour, the Granby care home on Granby Road, Harrogate, will be showing the royal wedding for residents from 12-1pm.

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Visitors are invited to join the residents at the home for lunch in the dining room and 'royal activities' from 2-5pm in the home's Crystal Ballroom.

Entry is £5.50. Email [email protected] or call reception on 01423 505511 to book your place.

But for those who would rather watch the wedding from the comfort of their own sofa, there are plenty of other royal celebrations to get involved with.

The Station Hotel at Birstwith, will be hosting A Right Royal Pigrace with the first race starting at 6.30pm.

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A barbecue will also be available and all proceeds will go towards the village's defibrillator fund.

At Follifoot Village Hall, the Friends of Follifoot School will be celebrating the royal wedding with a tea party and crown jewels treasure hunt on Sunday, May 20.

Entry to the treasure hunt is £1 on the door, and will be held at 10.30am followed by the tea party from 11am-1pm.

Tickets to the teaparty are £6 for adults and £3.50 for children, available to buy from the village shop.

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There will also be a royal raffle, tiara and flag making, crafts and a tuck shop.

Burnt Yates School will also be celebrating on Sunday, May 20, with a barbecue, salads and puddings, a raffle, games, quizzes, sideshows and a sing song.

Guests are invited to bring your own drinks and flags. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children and are available from Hilda Walmsley on 01423 770149 or Sylvia Loxley on 01423 771683 or from the school.