Dorset communities, schools and care homes came together to watch the Royal Wedding ceremony and celebrate afterwards, with wedding-watchers praising the atmosphere and the community spirit that pervaded.

In Dorchester, crowds gathered in the sun at Brewery Square to watch coverage of the big day on the big screen, as children splashed in the space's fountains.

"We wanted to come down to experience the community atmosphere," said Kelly Haggett from Milborne St Andrew in North Dorset, attending with her husband and young son. "If it had rained we would have stayed home and watched [the ceremony] on TV, but an atmosphere like this is good for the little ones."

Her friend Vicky Spicer, who lives in Dorchester and had also come with her husband and infant daughter, was meanwhile disappointed by the bride's dress. "I'm underwhelmed to be honest," she said. "It's too traditional. I thought [Meghan Markle] would have more sparkle."

Sarah Jordan, in town from Manchester on business, said the Brewery Square event was 'lovely'.

"It would have been depressing to watch the ceremony in my hotel room," said Ms Jordan, who works for a healthcare firm. "The sun's shining and the atmosphere here is great."

The crowds on Brewery Square cheered as Ms Markle responded 'I do' to the archbishop's question. Sue Taylor and David Frake, Dorchester residents who had come to watch the ceremony, cheered along, describing the atmosphere as 'lovely' and 'really good'.

"It's great to watch it on the big screen," Mr Frake said. "For big events like this it's much better."

Meanwhile at Chickerell care home Fairfield House, residents, staff and visitors watched the ceremony before enjoying a themed party with a buffet, tiaras and Union flags.

Sylvia Pratt, who husband Charlie has been in the home for around 10 months, said she had watched the ceremony at home - but that her husband would have preferred to be watching the FA Cup final.

Mrs Pratt praised the home and the party it had organised for the Royal Wedding. "It's been really wonderful," she said.

Residents Mary Hall and Evelyn Taylor concurred.

"It's all been very nice," said Mrs Taylor, while Mrs Hall said the day had been 'marvellous'.

Jan Beckingham, visiting her mother Primrose Powell at the home, said the day had been excellent, and that the bride had looked beautiful. "She's such a lovely young girl," she said. Her mother agreed, noting that the bridal dress had been 'very neat'.

Fairview manager Julie Hodge said the home tried hard to make the residents feel at home. "It's good for them to have something to look forward to," she said.

Across town, neighbours living around Roman Road in Weymouth's Radipole district marked the occasion with a lavish street party - which organiser Sally Parks said was a fitting epilogue to a 'beautiful' ceremony.

"I'm proud to be British when you see all the pageantry," she said. "It was really special, and it's so nice to get the whole community together to celebrate."

Graham Carter admitted he had 'only glanced' at the ceremony, but likewise praised the community vibe of the street party - and the national events. "People all around the world are looking at Britain - it's fantastic," he said. His friend Lorraine Kitching agreed. "Meghan looked so beautiful," she said.

Gordon Cunningham was pleased that the borough council had agreed to cut the patch of grass that lies at the end of Roman Road in the week before the event, allowing it to be used for games.

"People coming together like this is great," he said.

Similar events were held across the county, including street parties in Cerne Abbas and Lytchett Matravers, and a High Tea at Portesham Primary School.