Giant screens in London to show royal wedding live

[April 07, 2011]  LONDON (AP) -- No invitation to the royal wedding? Get ready to celebrate at a free street party instead.

Prince William and Kate Middleton's nuptials will be broadcast live on giant screens set up in central London -- complete with food and drinks stands and a Ferris wheel to add to a celebratory atmosphere, officials said Thursday.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for London to show the world how we relish our traditions and that we know how to throw a party," Mayor Boris Johnson said.

Tens of thousands of well-wishers are expected to flock to London for the April 29 wedding, although most will not be able to get a good view as access to the procession route and the ceremony will be limited.

The giant television screens will be set up in Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park, showing a bird's eye view of the royal procession and the ceremony inside Westminster Abbey. A temporary Ferris wheel will also go up at Hyde Park to offer views over the parks.

As for the party's dress code, organizers have some advice.

"Dress for the weather, but get in the wedding mood and wear a hat," Johnson's office said.

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Online:

http://www.london.gov.uk/royalwedding

[Associated Press]

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