Top 50 Independent Bishop Retail is gearing up for festivities across the Royal Wedding bank holiday weekend with fancy-dress and fundraising fun days.

The sites in the north-east of England, run by Mace retailer Darren MacDonald, will be decked out in patriotic British colours, giving away free balloons and crowns, and playing party music. Store staff will don fancy-dress outfits, with costumes ranging from royalty to vicars and brides.

In addition, Parkhead Service Station in New Coundon, and Red Tiles Service Station in Witton Gilbert, will both be raffling hampers for charity.

Alongside these activities, stores will be helping to keep Britain celebrating by staying open throughout the bank holiday and offering promotions on party essentials such as beer, wine, crisps, nuts, biscuits and sweets. They will also be setting up BBQ party displays and promotions to help customers take advantage of the spring weather.

Darren MacDonald, group operations director of Bishop Retail, said: “The Royal Wedding is important to our customers so it is important to us. We wanted to do something fun to mark the day and create excitement in our stores.

“We’re holding ‘fun days’ for both the customers and ourselves so that everyone can relax and enjoy what is the most exciting event for a generation.”