STREET parties were held throughout the area as communities celebrated the Royal Wedding.

As Prince William and Catherine Middleton took their marriage vows in Westminster Abbey this morning (Friday), people of all ages took to the streets to mark the occasion.

Roads were transformed with bunting as residents made the most of the extra bank holiday with barbeques and live music.

Lesa Skelt, 40, organised a street party for 350 people in Kensington Drive, Woodford Green.

Mum-of-three Lesa said: “It looks amazing. There are bunting and balloons everywhere, people have decorated their houses, it is just red, white and blue wherever you look.

“People are just drinking and enjoying themselves. The sun has come out. It has brought a tear to my eye. There are people down my street who I have never spoken to but this has really brought us all together.”

Despite being busy organising the celebrations Lesa found time to watch the ceremony on television.

“I thought Kate looked just beautiful. The dress was very elegant and simple, but that is her style: understated.”

Lesa said that memories of Silver Jubilee street parties she enjoyed as a girl in 1977 inspired her to organise the party.

“I have wonderful memories of those celebrations and wanted my children to have the similar memories of their own”, she said.

Joanne Barrett Constantinou, 21, manager of the Olde Rose and Crown, organised a street party in Hoe Street, Walthamstow.

She said: “There are people of all ages here. Lots of children and elderly people from a nearby nursing home.

“I am very excited, it is a lovely way to bring the community together and is just a great excuse for a party. “