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THE clock will be turned back for hundreds of West Bank residents in April when the area hosts a street party for the royal wedding.

Donkey rides, traditional games, music and plenty of free food will be on offer at the event, which is to take place in Beamont Street on Friday, April 29.

Julie Baker, chairman of the West Bank Community Forum, hopes the day’s free festivities will provide years of happy memories for a generation who have never seen a street party.

She said: “The day will start at 11am and we’ll have gazebos and bunting out and there will be a projector set up in St Mary’s Church for people to watch the wedding.

“At noon the children’s street party starts with room for 200 kids, and there’ll be adult food in St Mary’s Community Centre as well as free bingo and music.

“At 1pm activities start on the promenade, including donkey rides, laser tag, a bucking bronco and old fashioned games such as tug of war and egg and spoon race.

“And at 5.30pm there will be a love and commitment ceremony in the church.”

She said: “Street parties are a thing of the past and there doesn’t seem to be anybody doing them anymore.

“I can remember going to one for the Silver Jubilee and it will be nice for the children to remember this one.”

She added: “We’ve got 40 volunteers for the day and the whole area is involved.

“It’s bringing back that community spirit.”