BOURNEMOUTH East MP Tobias Ellwood hopes local communities will come together to celebrate the upcoming royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The highly-anticipated occasion will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at midday.

Mr Ellwood said he would be encouraging the community to celebrate this "happy day for our nation".

He alluded to past occasions, such as the Queens’ Jubilee or the Olympics, which have produced successful local events by residents, businesses and local authorities.

"In 2011, millions of people across the country joined together to celebrate the Royal Wedding with picnics, parties and other events," he said.

“I was pleased to see that the government was sharing this enthusiasm and was willing to help the organisation of street parties. With licensing hours relaxed on the nights of May 18 and 19, and the holding of the FA Cup final later that day, all conditions seem to be favourable for this day to be a special one," he added.

Some events have already been organised in Bournemouth to celebrate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's upcoming nuptials, including the Bournemouth Gateway Club's Rule Britannia party on May 12.

"I was also pleased to hear from the Bournemouth council that some applications had already been received to organise street parties and that no charge was asked for small road closures," Mr Ellwood said.

"I am looking forward to seeing Bournemouth residents coming together to celebrate this special day."