I KNOW where I will be on Saturday, writes Mary Sanders, editor of BBC Wiltshire. Standing in the stunning heart of the city of Salisbury, surrounded by smiling faces, sharing the national joy of a Royal Wedding.

Celebrating such a happy occasion in Salisbury will be especially fitting after the unprecedented past few months, with the city in the global spotlight for the wrong reasons.

The chance to clearly put these difficult times behind us and show that Salisbury is back on its feet, open for business, and ready to celebrate is fabulous.

A few weeks ago my BBC Wiltshire colleagues and I met with Salisbury Cathedral to discuss a joint Royal Wedding Party in the grounds of the cathedral.

The idea grew and grew and this Saturday partners from all over the city and the county are coming together for a fantastic day-long party in the glorious setting of the cathedral lawns.

Starting at 9am, the party will centre on a giant BBC screen broadcasting the build up to the big event, as well as the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the following carriage procession.

No tickets are needed for this free event, so families and friends can come along, bring picnics and rugs and take part in the fun. Activities and entertainment on offer all day range from a replica CBBC set and live music from local bands, to a mini studio where you can try out being a BBC Wiltshire presenter for yourself. Of course BBC Wiltshire will be broadcasting live throughout the day with presenters including Ben Prater and Marie Lennon.

Canon Edward Probert, Acting Dean of Salisbury, summed it up beautifully when he said: “Weddings are joyous occasions because they bring families and friends together to celebrate. In this case it is an opportunity for the whole community to gather to enjoy not only Harry and Meghan’s wedding but to mark the city’s gradual recovery.”

All we need now is for the sun to shine, and my colleagues in the BBC Weather centre tell me it is looking good. So please join me, and thousands of others, this Saturday on the cathedral lawns, to celebrate our wonderful city.

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