The day being British became cool again

Wales welcomed the pomp and circumstance of the occasion today as hundreds of celebrations got under way across the principality.

While the eyes of the world were on the historic events taking place in London, some in Wales saw it as a return to Britishness.

Many were also hoping a nationwide day of festivities would lift the gloom of recession and mark the return of a feel-good factor.

More than 250 separate street parties are being thrown across Wales today, with Cardiff leading the way with 52 alone.

Several hundred revellers were packed into Pembroke Castle, west Wales, intent on creating their own feel-good festivities.

A day-long menu of activities included a circus act, a Samba band, a children’s fancy dress parade and hawking demonstrations.

Pride of place went to a big screen inside the main castle walls where revellers could watch the wedding ceremony.

Welsh Guard Warren Williams, 40, a recruitment officer from Cardiff, said he was a fan of the monarchy.

He added: “I have got the day off today, but I have guarded them for the last 24 years and today is a great day for everyone involved.

“This is a great day-out for families and kids. It is something which we do very well in this country.

“This has been a long time coming but let’s hope this will bring us back a sense of Britishness.

“A lot of traditions have been neglected or forgotten, but something like this makes you remember you are British.

“People talk of being Welsh or Scottish or Northern Irish, and the idea of Britain can be forgotten. But we are all British.”

Friend Nigel Thomas, 43, from the Rhondda Valley, was attending the castle event with wife Sian and their three children.

He said: “We are all here with friends and their children. It is a great day out and nice for the kids to do something publicly.

“I am all for Britain as well. I personally think that we should all band together and show more solidarity with one another. This is a great occasion for that.”

Glen Smith, 46, of South Road, Pembroke, said the wedding represented a “brilliant” reason for a family celebration.

Wife Kelly, 28, and daughters Nicole, eight, and Courtney, three, were all spending the day at the castle.

“We are here for the day to celebrate what is going on in London,” Mr Smith said.

“It is something the kids will remember for the rest of their lives. It’s great to watch it on the big screen here. It is a great family day.”

Artist Adrian James set up his easel in the castle grounds in the hope of boosting business.

He added: “It is a great occasion but the hope is that getting people out like this will boost business.”

Mr James said he has a gallery in Main Street but had been struggling to break even due to the downturn.

“Something like this gets people out and allows me the chance to sneak out of the shop and raise my profile. Hopefully it marks a return to business,” he added.