Quite a number of people may have been taken by surprise at the decision by Ilkley Parish Council to underwrite up to £3,500 to cover the cost of a community celebration to mark the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

A band will perform and afternoon tea and cake will be served from a marquee on The Grove on Friday, April 29, which is a public holiday, to mark the royal nuptials.

Any concern is understandable in these harsh economic times when all kinds of services are being cut and, indeed, the decision came just a week after the council decided to call a halt to some projects until the extent of the district-wide spending cuts is known.

Members of the parish council have said they wanted to underwrite the event as a “gesture to the community”. Quite right too.

It is all a question of balance. It is a pretty small price to pay to spread cheer in these gloomy times. There’s every chance it will put a smile on the faces of many as the nation celebrates. Other local councils in our area are planning celebrations too.

It is to be hoped that other groups, organisations and companies in the area enter into the celebration in the same spirit. It is not as though we are talking about champagne and caviar – but a cup of tea and a bun.