IT HAS been a long and very frustrating road, but for better or for worse, this time tomorrow, the UK will be saying goodbye to the European Union.

Brexit will become official at 11pm this Friday.

Although, if you were hoping this would signal the end of the Brexit discussion, you might be disappointed.

The UK will still follow EU law for 11 months while negotiations continue.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is aiming to have a deal with all aspects of the UK's relationship with the EU completely wrapped up by the end of 2020, despite senior EU figures warning that this won't be possible.

But that certainly won't stop the celebrations up and down the country.

We asked our Stroud News & Journal readers if they will be celebrating, or commiserating on the big day.

Jess Newman might be disappointed, she said: "I’ll be asleep hoping that Brexit is never mentioned again."

Sue Gardner certainly won't be celebrating either, she said: "I'll be wearing black and mourning."

But Matthew Brown said he will be 'getting a few beers to celebrate'.

Julie Woodward will be marking the occasion with traditional English fish and chips, she said: "I voted to remain but respect the result and now see it as a great opportunity for these islands."

Paul Cooke said he will be 'getting the flags out and partying'.

Gloria Cleaver will be doing much the same, she said:"Bottle of bubbly, box of chocolates and the Great Britain flag flying high."

Dannie Acock won't be joining the celebrations, she said: "I am wearing black all day."

Janey Read said: " I'll be playing the Ode to Joy at a volume that will make our ears bleed, hoping it's number one in the charts and counting the days until my son's generation rejoin us pronto."

The Beacon and Railway Hotel in Haresfield will also be holding a party at 6pm tomorrow to celebrate.

Local suppliers will be providing samples and tasters of British food and beverages at the hotel.

Live music will also be performed with a toast at 11pm to welcome in Brexit.

Across the country, Wetherspoons are reducing prices of drinks from across Europe, including Estrella Galicia, Beck’s and Peroni, by around 60p.

This offer will be running until February 29, so if you're in the mood to celebrate, head down to the Lord John in Russell Street.

Stoud's MP Siobhan Baillie also gave her thoughts on what will be a historic day.

She said: "After the country experienced arguments about Brexit for such a long time, I am pleased that the Houses of Parliament managed to pass the relevant legislation to leave the European Union smoothly.

"In my view, this step honours the 2016 referendum result and it honours my pledges locally during the election campaign. 

"I personally believe that leaving the political club of the EU will bring new opportunities and a bright future. This is a moment to look forwards and not backwards."

Glenville Gogerly, who led Vote Leave in Stroud, said he is proud to have led the campaign. 

"We have an opportunity to forge our new path in the world, free to make decisions on our laws, our trade and the future Governance of the UK," he said. 

"Now when we pass the milestone on Friday and the nation will know that we have legally left the EU, I believe that everyone on both sides of the debate should grab the opportunity with both hands and run with it.

"I couldn't have done it without my core team and all the volunteers who came from political parties of all colours.

"I extend a hand of friendship to those who voted remain and invite everyone to join the exciting journey."

What are the key events happening around the UK?

A countdown clock will be projected onto number 10 from 10pm, which will display the colours of the GB flag to mark the occasion.

Three million new 50p coins will also be released on Friday, and the Prime Minister will be among the first to receive one.

The coin has 'Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations' written on it.

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage will be holding celebrations in Parliament Square, which will be hosted by the Leave Means Leave organisation.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan will be holding an event at City Hall, offering Europeans living in the capital free advice on the EU Settlement Scheme from immigration lawyers.

And Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be flying the EU flag over the Scottish government headquarters in protest.