Pop superstar Dua Lipa and her new spouse, Callum Turner, are set to celebrate their marriage with a lavish three-day event in Sicily this weekend, sparing no expense.
Following their intimate civil ceremony at London’s Marylebone Registry Office, preparations are already underway as workers begin closing roads around the venues in Palermo, where the festivities will unfold.
The star-studded guest list is expected to include big names from the entertainment world such as Elton John, Olivia Dean, Mark Ronson, and Charli XCX, all gearing up for the extravagant event rumored to cost around £1 million.
There is even speculation that Elton John might perform a mini-concert for the newlyweds, adding to the buzz that has enveloped the city of Palermo in recent days.
Originally, the celebration was planned for September, but it was moved up, possibly due to rumors that Dua Lipa is scheduled to perform in Rome around that time.
The main ceremony will be held at the opulent 17th-century Villa Valguarnera, one of the most magnificent villas in Bagheria, a picturesque town located about ten miles from Palermo.
Inside Dua Lipa and Callum Turner’s second wedding in 18th century baroque palazzo in £1 million three-day Sicilian celebration with Elton, Olivia Dean and Charli XCX on the guestlist – and the bride will wear Versace, (pictured, Villa Valguarnera)
Just hours after an intimate civil ceremony in London’s Marylebone Registry Office on Sunday, a team of workers began closing roads around the venues in Palermo which will play host to celebrations
The ceremony itself will take place at the 17th-century Villa Valguarnera, perhaps the most sumptuous of the villas in Bagheria, an idyllic town ten miles away from the capital
Many will recognise this venue as well as it featured in the opening credits of the hit series The White Lotus and the 18th Century building is a major historical landmark with ornate gardens and a sweeping grand staircase.
Streets around the Villa are also expected to be closed off in the coming days with convoys of catering van bringing supplies in.
Although guests may have to have an early night as the venue is only licenced for outdoor music until 11.30pm but they can move inside for an extra 90 minutes of dancing.
On Monday, workers began blocking the entrances to the historic Palazzo Gangi in Palermo’s edgy Kalsa neighbourhood and erecting screens to prevent paparazzi getting shots.
The stunning 18th Century Palazzo – which is privately owned – has a spectacular Galleria degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors) and the ornate Baroque setting will be the centre of the party on Saturday.
Many will recognise the venue as the setting for the classic ballroom scene in the iconic 1963 Sicilian film The Leopard starring screen legend Burt Lancaster.
A second civil ceremony is expected officiated by the Mayor of Palermo Roberto Lagalla.
No expense will be spared for the wedding with the couple estimated to be worth more than £100 million thanks to Dua Lipa’s singing success and Turner’s acting career – he is lined up to be the next James Bond.
Three hundred family and friends will be attending the three-day shindig which begins on Thursday with private jet slots booked up at Palermo’s airport and a fleet of blacked out limos to ferry guests to various villas and hotels.
Private security firms have also been doing a roaring trade with teams of bodyguards also hired and all staff involved in the wedding have been made to sign non-disclosure agreements.
On Monday, workers began blocking the entrances to the historic Palazzo Gangi in Palermo’s edgy Kalsa neighbourhood and erecting screens
The stunning 18th Century Palazzo Gangi – which is privately owned – has a spectacular Galleria degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors) and the ornate Baroque setting will be the centre of the party on Saturday
Many will recognise the venue as the setting for the classic ballroom scene in the iconic 1963 Sicilian film The Leopard starring screen legend Burt Lancaster, (pictured)
Wedding planner Alessandra Grillo was spotted arriving in Palermo on Monday to oversee preparations and to check out the other key locations including the legendary five-star Villa Igiea hotel, (pictured), overlooking the sea
Two floors of suites have been booked out and the hotel is closed for the weekend to all except those invited to the wedding
Designer Donatella Versace is said to have made the wedding dress and Dua was spotted in Rome on Friday for a final fitting before jetting back to London for her civil ceremony on Sunday
Top showbiz names including Elton John , Olivia Dean, Mark Ronson and Charli XCX, will be among the guests for the rumoured £1 million bash
Dua and Callum fell in love with Sicily during a holiday last summer and she is often pictured in the famous pink and black strip of the city’s football club.
They also attended the wedding of Charli XCX and The 1975’s George Daniel when they tied the knot last September in Tonnara di Scopello just down the road from Palermo.
According to Conde Nast, the nuptials have made Sicily the wedding destination of the year and bookings for the sun kissed Mediterranean island are said to be shooting through the roof.
Wedding planner Alessandra Grillo was spotted arriving in Palermo on Monday to oversee preparations and to check out the other key locations including the legendary five-star Villa Igiea hotel overlooking the sea.
Two floors of suites have been booked out and the hotel is closed for the weekend to all except those invited to the wedding.
Designer Donatella Versace is said to have made the wedding dress and Dua was spotted in Rome on Friday for a final fitting before jetting back to London for her civil ceremony on Sunday.
Versace is said to be bringing 26 outfits for Dua to choose from as well as another wedding gown for another ‘I do’ ceremony.
A source in Palermo said: ‘Everyone has been talking about this wedding for days. It’s going to be so cool and glamorous with such a lot of showbiz stars.
‘We all have a soft spot for Dua because she always speaks so highly of the city and loves wearing the football shirt of the city’s club.
‘But things are being kept very closely guarded with screens going up and people having to sign confidentiality agreements.’
Palermo FC president Dario Mirri told local media after Dua was pictured in the club shirt:’It was love at first sight. She put it on. And she had her picture taken with our jersey.’
Katie Hind reveals the secrets of Dua Lipa’s SECOND wedding bash exclusively in the Spotlight newsletter on Tuesday. Read here
