Dubbo Regional Council has confirmed that Picnic in the Park with Prince Harry and pregnant wife Meghan will go ahead rain, hail or shine.
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It’s encouraging participants from near and far to take ponchos or raincoats but not umbrellas “as a courtesy to others”.
The event at Victoria Park is the “only location and occasion” where the public will get the chance to glimpse the royal couple during their visit to Dubbo on Wednesday, says the council.
On Tuesday the Bureau of Meteorology reported of a 90 per cent chance of Dubbo getting five millimetres (mm) to 15mm in showers on Wednesday.
It predicted a thunderstorm in the afternoon and early evening.
Picnic in the Park, hosted by Dubbo mayor Ben Shields, will run from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
Thousands of people are expected to turn out to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who will make a brief appearance. Prince Harry will address the crowd.
The council is advising people attending Picnic in the Park to protect themselves from the sun and take water, a chair or picnic blanket.
They are being asked not to set up gazebos or tents, or take pets.
Family entertainment and free entry to the the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre between noon and 5pm is on offer on Wednesday at Victoria Park in the heart of Dubbo.
Circus Out West, Dubbo Ballet Studio, Pooka and Moorambilla Voices will perform.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will display its aeromedical simulator and farmers from across the region will be selling and showcasing their produce.
On Tuesday morning Cr Shields announced that Thirsty Merc would be playing at Picnic in the Park.
The council is reminding the public that parking will not be available at Victoria Park.
The community is being asked to leave their vehicles at Dubbo Showground and take a 400-metre walk to the event site.
Buses will also be running from the showground with transfers starting at 9.30am and ending at 2.30pm.
Vehicles will be able to access the showground by the gate adjacent to the railway line while pedestrians can enter through the main gate.
Road closures began on Monday with affected streets to be reopened at 5.30pm on Wednesday.
The royal visitors will also visit the RFDS Dubbo Base, a drought-stricken farm and a local school.
