“It’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves and really embracing the community spirit of the occasion.”

THERE was standing room only at Ely Cathedral today (Friday) for the screening of the royal wedding. Hundreds of local people cheered and waved Union Jack flags as they wathched Prince William and Kate Middleton exchanged wedding vows at Westminster Abbey. In an unprecendented move for the cathedral, people were invited to bring along picnics and watch the event at garden tables, and some even spread blankets on the ground.

Cathedral marketing manager Lesley-Ann Thompson said the event had been a great success.

“This is the first time we have taken on something like this, but it has worked very well. We were a bit concerned about how many people would turn up and how many would actually bring picnics so it’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves and really embracing the community spirit of the occasion.”