Hundreds of people across south Norfolk took to their streets, village halls, pubs and parks to celebrate the Royal Wedding.

Wherever you drove colourful bunting could be seen draped from windows or over garden fences, while many patriotic residents adhered to a red, white and blue dress code.

Early birds at Bunwell Village Hall were treated to bacon sandwiches as they pulled up a chair to watch coverage of the events in London on a large screen.

Tickets for the village's celebrations had sold out days in advance and organisers expected about 150 people to drop by throughout the day to enjoy a barbecue, cakes and a bar. Proceeds from the event would be fed back into the hall's funds.

Jeremy Glenn, chairman of the village hall management committee, said: 'Last year we ran a football event for the World Cup. That was a great success as a social event so as soon as they announced the wedding one of the ladies here said we had to book the hall and we went from there. It's just good to get everyone together again.'

It was standing room only at the village green in Banham as dozens of villagers abandoned their living rooms to watch the wedding in the sunshine on an outdoor screen. Children waved Union Jacks and adults cheered as Will and Kate exchanged their vows.

When the ceremony came to a close, festivities really got underway including a fancy dress competition, children's races, a barbecue, tombola and music from the Watton with New Buckenham Silver Bands.

Geraldine Sayers Cowper said Royal Wedding fever had gripped the area.

'I thought it wasn't going to take off at first but in the last few weeks people have got the bug and that's lovely. You don't have to be a Royalist - it's about community,' she said.

A classic golden Rolls Royce parked outside the Lincoln Hall in Hingham had many little boys and girls dreaming of what their big day could be like. Competition-winning schoolchildren were given the chance to ride in the wedding car, as well as enjoy an outdoor disco and buffet - which included 1,000 homemade cupcakes - on the neighbouring Fairland Green which was packed with families throughout the afternoon.

Carol Harris, who had organised the event with Hingham Parish Council, said she was stunned by the turn out. 'The people of Hingham have been fantastic. They have donated things, money and their help. It has been a real community effort,' she added.

Another large community gathering on Fair Green in Diss also attracted hundreds of people of all ages keen to join in activities such as face painting, ceremics painting and crown making while watching a Punch and Judy show, enjoying fairground rides and tucking into barbecue food and cakes.

The Cock Inn pub also marked the occasion with a hog roast, live music and the start of a weekend-long beer festival.

Rachel Baker, chairman of the Fair Green Neighbourhood Association, said the Royal Wedding was the subject on everyone's lips.

'It's fabulous - there's been so much excitement. In town yesterday all I overheard was people talking about it,' she said.

In Wymondham, where residents of Church Street and Vicar Street gathered in the grounds of the town's historic abbey, talk fell to the wedding ceremony and Kate's choice of dress.

Sara Barton-Wood, one of the organisers, said: 'It was really moving actually. I though she looked radiant and looked so happy. She looked completely relaxed with William, sharing the odd joke.'

The group enjoyed an afternoon of food and games, including dress up the bike and cake competitions, traditional races and the digging up of a time capsule.

Traditional street parties also sprung up across the area including at Elan Close in Wymondham, West Church Street and East Church Street in Kenninghall and The Street in Tharston.

Children in Wild Radish Close in Mulbarton danced in the street and performed music with recorders. Houses in the closed off road, as well as vintage and classic cars, were decorated with flags, balloons and ribbons.

Alex Coleman, who with husband Paul helped with the colourful decorations, said: 'I think it is really nice how all the neighbours have come together. We have a really nice group of people living here and it is nice to see everyone embracing the red, white and blue colours.'

In Cuckoofield Lane, residents and staff from Hanover Gardens, which is run by Hanover Housing Association, were treated to coffee and biscuits while watching the wedding ceremony on a big screen, followed by a special lunch and a royal-themed quiz.

Estate Manager Debbie Genery said: 'I think [the Royal Wedding] is very good for the elderly, for them to reminisce, and it is also good for the community spirit to involve everybody.'