DECORATED wheelie bins, a street swap shop and a party organised for just £16 was just some of the merriment organised by neighbours to celebrate the royal wedding in north Bristol.

Andie Waylett, 40, who lives in Queens Drive, Bishopston, told the Evening Post her street party was organised to boost the community.

"It was more about the community coming together than the wedding," she said.

"We are using the royal wedding to create something positive for the street.

"We have set up tables and are all going to bring a dish – it's a chance to get to know one another.

"We decided to hold a "decorate your wheelie bin" competition because everyone has one and we're hoping it will inspire a bit of creativity."

Catherine Hyde, 69, another of the street's residents, decorated her bin with pictures from Queen Elizabeth's marriage to Prince Philip, as well as attaching a commemorative tin tray showing the marriage of Prince Charles to Diana.

"My husband's a republican and won't watch the wedding," she said.

"I can't decorate inside the house so I used the street party as an excuse to really go for it."

Judith White, 49, a teacher, said: "All the bad things happening in the world were put aside for today.

"The wedding was lovely, Kate's dress reflected her – beautiful and understated."

Just down the road, Celia and Michael Williams decorated their house with union jack bunting which they normally use for football matches and St George's Day.

"I think we should be proud of what we do – the ceremony was all organised and timed beautifully and the Great British public came together to support the couple, it's wonderful," said Mrs Williams, 65.

The couple made red, white and blue fairy cakes for the occasion to share with neighbours.

Another Queens Drive resident remembered the unusual way she celebrated another royal wedding.

"I was up a mountain when Charles and Diana got married back in 1981,"said Nicki Mullen, 45.

"I was part of the Girl Guides and all we got given was a packet of Polos to celebrate."

Down the road in Wessex Avenue, Horfield neighbours were trying to set tables up along their long hilly street.

"We think the royal wedding is so important and the bank holiday means everyone can join in," said Nicki Harrison, 52, a special educational needs co-ordinator, who lives in the road.

"We have all brought along a dish and will be sharing the food together outside.

"Most of us watched the wedding beforehand and everyone said how sincere and natural it seemed."

Street party organiser Paola Spivach, 40, said she wanted to unite her neighbours through their love of food.

"Not everybody was interested at first, but now we've got the barbecue going it's attracting everyone out of their homes," she said. "I'm meeting people from the street that I've never even seen before."

Friends Rachel Mylrea, 39, and Zoe Malkani, 34, met while backpacking in Australia and now live next door to each other.

The pair set up a street swap shop where their neighbours could donate items like books and children's toys and even recommend plumbers and builders.

But some felt the royal wedding was just another excuse for a party.

"My son and I are not the slightest bit interested in the royal wedding," said Barry Yeatman, 64.

"We only watched ten minutes and then we got bored – we're just enjoying having a day off."

Elsewhere in Horfield a bouncy castle had been set up for children to enjoy the day off school.

Italian family the Verdes were bringing a Mediterranean flavour to Alderton Road.

"We are bringing pizza, pasta and lemon and orange cakes," said Paolo Verde, who was enjoying the day with his mother Caterina and sister Antonella.

"We came to Bristol 12 years ago and love it when everyone comes out of their houses so we can meet new people."

In Charis Avenue, Southmead residents organised a spur of the moment party – all for just £16.

"We didn't really need to buy much," said organiser Sadie Willis, 36.

"Everyone brought food and we made our own table decorations."

Chris Willis, 39, said: "This street is relatively small but most people only know each other to say hello to."

The party provided 20 children from the lane with the opportunity to get together, and as Chris dished out barbecued burgers and sausages, he finally had the chance to have a proper chat with his neighbours.

Chris Ashmeade, 44, said: "The royal kiss was the highlight of my day – I'd watch it again and again.

"The British are definitely the best at throwing weddings."

Nearby in South Croft, Henleaze, children took part in a kings and queens parade and enjoyed music and dancing.

"I don't know the majority of people who are here," said Rosie Watson, 39, a special needs support worker.

"It's so nice to meet all our neighbours and have some merriment."

Organising street parties for royal occasions was second nature to fun-loving Oakwood Road in Henleaze.

Residents had already held successful events during the last royal wedding and the Queen's 50th Jubilee.

The neighbours, who all know each other well, organised a feast of delicious food and fun activities, from fancy dress and face-painting to egg-and-spoon-races and even a dog show.

The street is already looking forward to their next party for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.