Pop star Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner have faced criticism from residents in Palermo after their reported £1.3 million wedding celebrations prompted restrictions across parts of the Sicilian city.
The couple, who reportedly held a private civil ceremony in London before travelling to Italy, celebrated their marriage with a three-day event in and around Palermo. Organisers used prominent local venues including Villa Valguarnera in Bagheria and the Galleria d’Arte Moderna.
To maintain privacy, authorities closed roads, restricted access to some public areas, banned drones and deployed extensive security measures. Residents said the arrangements disrupted daily life and effectively turned parts of the city into exclusive areas for guests.
Protest signs appeared across Palermo city centre carrying messages such as “Palermo belongs to everyone” and “This square is not a private lounge”. After some signs were removed, activists responded with graffiti and additional displays.
Campaigners argued that public spaces should remain accessible to residents and visitors rather than being reserved for private events. One activist group encouraged people living in the historic district to display mock welcome posters from their balconies as a protest against what they described as the commercialisation of shared public spaces.
Questions have also been raised about how the restrictions were authorised. According to reports, local officials used special regulations to install barricades and close sections of the city’s historic centre.
Several well-known locations were reportedly reserved for wedding-related events. Guests stayed at the luxury Villa Igiea, the Galleria d’Arte Moderna hosted a private cocktail reception, and the main celebrations took place at Villa Valguarnera.
Reports also claimed that the couple offered £5,000 to people affected by the disruption. An unnamed source quoted in reports said the payments and the scale of the event contrasted with the simple and romantic image associated with the celebrations.
Despite the protests, the wedding festivities continued as planned. Around 200 guests from the worlds of music, film and fashion attended the event, including Charli XCX, George Daniel, Kevin Parker, Donatella Versace and Mark Ronson.
Reports also stated that singer Elton John performed during the celebrations for the newlyweds.
