THEY were not large in number, but they were there – the people determined to go out while most were watching the Royal Wedding on television.

Bournemouth’s shops were very quiet but not deserted at 11am on Friday as Kate Middleton was arriving at Westminster Abbey.

A few families enjoyed the crazy golf in the Lower Gardens or the bungee ride at the Pier Approach.

But most of the people out and about were visitors determined to make the best of a warm public holiday morning.

Janice Charles, visiting from Wilton near Salisbury, said: “We thought it might be quite a good day to go to the shops.

“If I had been at home I would have put it on for the ceremony but it’s not worth staying in for the whole thing.”

Her daughter Fearne Charles, carrying a Primark bag, said: “There were a few people there but not as many as usual.”

Victoria Perry was among the second year Arts University College students putting on an exhibition called Cultivated in the Lower Gardens, but finding themselves outnumbering the visitors.

“Yesterday was busy but it’s quite quiet today. I think everyone’s indoors watching the wedding,” she said.

“It would be interesting to watch.”

Fellow artist Rhinna Miccicha said they had a radio handy for the wedding. “There’s probably not going to be another one for a while,” she said.

Claire Moules, visiting from Oxfordshire for the weekend, watched the arrival at Westminster Abbey on a pub television before heading out to the Lower Gardens.

“It’s all about the dress,” she said.

Friend Nikki Nurden added: “We’re going to a lot of shops and hopefully will visit the beach. It’s quite quiet but it will pick up after the wedding.”

One man enjoying the sunshine in the gardens with his daughter said: “Weddings are a happy occasion and I wish them all the best but the media does my head in a bit. It annoys me.”