What better excuse to throw a street party than to celebrate the Royal Wedding? We certainly can’t think of a better time to bring your community together AND indulge in the festivities that will be celebrated across the world on April 29th. So even if you didn’t get an invite to Westminster Abbey, you can still dress up, eat, and drink in style – just take a peek at our top tips below for you get this party started!
Ask the Neighbours!
A street party wouldn’t be a street party without having your neighbours involved, so start with the ones you know and see if they’re interested. Once you have some support it’s easier for your street party to snowball as your neighbours tell each other and you can start to gauge the general feeling. Try to agree a date and time for a street meeting as early as possible – this will give you more time to plan.
Some residents won’t be up for the inconvenience of moving their car or being forced to socialise. But with the Royal Wedding excitement coming to a crescendo, we’re sure there’ll be more yays than nays.
Very Important: Contact the Council!
Check with your local council to see if they can issue a formal order to have your street closed, so you don’t face any unwanted traffic. The Police and the local Highways Agency may need to be involved to redirect traffic during your street party, so it’s important to inform the council early on of your street party plans.
Some councils need between 4 and 12 weeks to organise a street closure so the earlier you apply, the better.
If you can’t close the road properly . . .
Although closing the road properly is best, try our other Street Mixers, which can be arranged more simply, without permissions and at short notice:
- Street Meet: without closing a road, residents use whatever space is available – pavements, parking spaces, gardens, drive-ways, local pub or front room.
- Street Picnic: residents meet up in a local park or playing field for a shared picnic.
- Street Lounge: not requiring formally closing a road, carefully parked cars and carpets can be used to slow and alert traffic, and chairs on the pavement.
- Street Facebook: a dedicated page that the entire street is invited to join to organise face-to-face Mixers and to share information
Safety first!
Think together about minimising any risks from accident, burns on a BBQ, damage, electricity, rain, breakages, etc. Agree in advance that everyone should take responsibility for themselves and watch out for each other, especially children – you might print this on the invitation.
Your council may require you to sign some sort of indemnity as part of the road closure to protect them against liability. This is normal and something we encourage, rather than them automatically demanding insurance. Public Liability Insurance schemes that are available may not suit your needs, and insurance does not stop anything going wrong.
Do you need a licence? Usually, street parties don’t require an event licence from the local council. However, if you plan to charge an admission fee or sell alcohol, you may need to apply for Temporary Event Notice at least two weeks before the party.
It’s All Fun ‘n’ Games!
Get everyone involved in some traditional fun and games, and get to know your neighbours better.
There are plenty of games you can play in the street – here are just a few fun suggestions: Skittles, Tug of war, Pass the parcel, Cookery competitions, House decorating competitions and more!
These fun light hearted games will have you talking to your neighbours and feeling much more a part of your local community.
And finally . . . Mark the occasion with a Royal Wedding Souvenir
What would a Royal Wedding be without those cheesy souvenirs popping up all over the place! The Royal Wedding has awakened our inner collector and our inner patriot. We’re loving those Kate and Wills themed souvenirs – especially those crazy face masks of the entire royal family! A must-have accessory to complete any Royal Wedding street party you have planned.
Don’t forget to end your bash in time for the 888ladies £8,888 Royal Jackpot!!!!!!! As that’s the REAL PARTY, let’s face it 
GL!
