There's nothing us Brits like more than a party, and this year we have a momentous occasion to celebrate, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - cue street parties and flag waving all across the UK.
Seventy years ago, on 6 February 1952, 25 year old Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II, following the death of her father George VI, and this accession to the throne will be celebrated on the anniversary of her coronation on 2 June 2022.
As well as the official celebrations many small communities will be organising their own festivities over the long weekend, including street parties where neighbourhoods will get together for some fun and games. Expect the length and breadth of the country to go Union Jack mad!
How to organise a street party
- Speak to your neighbours and see if they are in favour of a street party
- Discuss where to hold it. It can be in the street, someone's driveway, or on private land and check if permission is needed.
- Divvy up the jobs. Discuss what is needed and who can do what. Think about seating, tables, food, refreshments, games - especially for children, decorations, music, and any other practicalities. This includes preparations, on the day tasks - and the clearing up!
- Agree timings for when it will start and when it will finish
- Invite the whole street!
Do you need permission to hold a street party?
Different councils will have different rules so always check with your local council, but as a rough guide if it is a private party for residents no license is needed, although some councils will ask you to fill in an application form.
However if you want to close the road to traffic, you needed to have applied for permission several weeks ahead - so unfortunately, if you're too late you may need to rethink your plans. If you do have permission to use the road, make sure you also have a plan if a neighbour needs to get out urgently or if emergency services need to access the street.
Find more information about organising a street party at.gov.uk
Are we allowed to play music at the street party?
Yes you are allowed to play music and don't need a special license, unless it's a specific music event.
Street party decorations
No street party is complete without flags, bunting, Union Jack tableware and balloons.Here's our choice of the best street party decorations and table ware
Union Jack Bunting
This traditional Jubilee Union Jack bunting from The Cotton Bunting Company on Not On The High Street
£17.50
Or how about this colourful take from The Bunting Basket (£20.95)
This Union Jack tableware starts from £4.99 for 8 plates from party pieces from Party Pieces
This patriotic banner will leave no doubt about what - and who - the party is about! £6.95 for two from Amazon
Make sure the tables are dressed to impress with these patriotic tablecloths from Amazon (£5.99)