TODAY is the day when Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot in front of the entire nation.

And thousands of residents in West Dorset are planning to mark the occasion by going all-out with celebratory street parties, community gatherings and wedding receptions.

Whether it rains or shines the festive celebrations will still go on to celebrate this special occasion.

In Dorchester, crowds of up to 5,000 are planned for at Maumbury Rings where the wedding will be shown live from a giant screen in the park.

Organiser Molly Rennie is urging families, friends and communities to join in with the family fun day and turn up with their own picnics and enjoy the day.

There will be children’s activities, food kiosks as well as a chance to write a message for Prince William and Kate Middleton in Dorchester’s own wedding book.

Thousands of people, young and old, are expected to flock to Weymouth where the wedding will be shown on a big screen on the harbourside fol lowed by live music and festivities. On the Esplanade there will be a street party with live entertainment on the beach.

In the villages dotted all around the county residents have closed off their roads and replaced the empty space with trestle tables and bunting for a community day that will be remembered for years.

At West Bay the Churches Together will be providing a big screen on the harbourside to relay the service to a congregation that will be able to join in the singing of the hymns and the ‘praying of the prayers’ along with those gathered for the wedding celebration in central London.

Chairman of Churches Together in Bridport and District the Reverend Philip Ringer said: “By engaging in the televised service we will feel completely part of this great occasion for a young couple as they embark on their married life, it will also remind everyone of their own marriage vows.”