英语新闻：英国民众办街头派对庆王子婚礼

Thousands of Britons are planning to get out the bunting, balloons and fold-up tables and hold street parties across the country to celebrate next month's wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

为了庆祝威廉王子和凯特·米德尔顿下月即将举行婚礼，成千上万名英国民众计划挂出彩旗和气球，摆上折叠桌椅，在全国各地举办街头派对。

Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton will visit Canada in their first overseas royal tour as a married couple, palace officials announced.
About two thousand requests have already been made to local councils¹ for road closures to allow street events to be held on April 29th when the couple tie the knot² at London's Westminster Abbey, the Local Government Association³ said on Saturday.

London has received the most applications with 70, followed by Essex, the county⁴ northeast of the capital, which has had 46. Dozens of requests have also been sent to local authorities⁵ in Wales, western, northern and central England.

"Street parties are an established part of British culture, they're a great way for people to meet their neighbors and strengthen community bonds," said Chris White, chairman of the LGA's Culture and Tourism Board.

"It's great that we're seeing such community spirit sweeping⁶ the nation. And these applications are only for parties which require a road closure, there will be many more celebrations in gardens and homes across the country."

In order to help, some councils have waived⁷ the usual fee to close roads while others are offering party packs for organizers, with free bunting（触击，旗布） and flags.

"The eyes of the world will be on William and Kate on April 29 and I am sure that many Britons will use the excuse to celebrate," said Claudia Joseph, author of "Kate: The Making of a Princess."

"After all it is a public holiday -- and everybody loves a party."

One company that could be benefitting from the interest in street parties is the firm founded by Middleton's mother Carol.

Party Pieces is offering a "Best of British" range with all the accessories（附件，配件） to hold a traditional street party, with plates, cups, bunting, hats and a host of other items featuring the British "Union Jack⁸" flag.