Pubs and clubs will be allowed to stay open longer on the weekend of the Royal wedding.

The relaxed licensing laws will allow revellers to get into the spirit of the occasion as Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot at Westminster Abbey on April 29.

Drinking establishments across England and Wales will be allowed to extend their opening hours to 1am on both April 29 and 30.

Fergie to be snubbed

Crime Prevention Minister James Brokenshire said the royal wedding was “an occasion for national celebration” and “licensing hours should be relaxed in all licensed premises in England and Wales”.

But the minister was also keen for people not to get too carried away.

“We are mindful that late-night drinking can lead to crime and disorder and public nuisance,” he said.

“On this basis, we are proposing a modest relaxation of licensing hours until 1am and intend to restrict the order to the sale of alcohol in pubs, clubs and anywhere else where alcohol is consumed on the premises and to regulated entertainment such as live and recorded music, dancing, plays and films.”

“We are also limiting the order to Friday 29th – the day of the wedding – and Saturday 30th as these are the days when people are most likely to want to celebrate.”

A day off, pubs opening longer – this sounds like one hell of a weekend! Only the spectre of possible tube and BA strikes can put a dampener on things…

Royal Wedding: strikes possible