The nation is getting set to party as we approach the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations with a summer packed with celebrations.
From Doo-Wop tea dances, and a classic car run of 70 vehicles – one from each year of the Queen’s reign - to plenty of pageantry action and concerts - there's certainly enough to keep you busy.
But if you're looking at doing something a bit closer to home, here's your expert guide to planning the perfect street party.
It’s legal to hold the gathering from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5 but if you want to close your road to traffic you will need to fill in a form on your local council’s website – and for many the deadline is this Friday, April 22.
If you want to opt for a smaller gathering you could plan a street meet on your driveway or a garden, which does not need an application.
Then you can start by sending out invites and working out a timetable for the day – what time should cars be removed, when will everyone enjoy lunch and at what point should things wrap up? Next hold a street meeting and divide up key tasks.
Stacey-Rebekka Karlsson is the founder of events agent Goho Ltd (www.thisisgoho.com), and is also organising her own street party.
She says: “Be inclusive and aware of your neighbours – make sure everyone is in the loop. Do door knocks and flyers, as well as online groups, to ensure any elderly and non-English speaking neighbours feel part of the event.”
Safety first
Stacey-Rebekka advises large events should get public liability insurance.
“It’s not expensive but gives peace of mind,” she says, adding: “You’ll want to move any cars from the main party area but you’ll also want to think about what to do in an emergency.
“How will emergency vehicles get access? Put any non-moveable trucks, stands and objects, like bouncy castles, at the edges of the road, or on the pavements if wide enough.
“Appoint a non-drinking person to be in charge of safety, doing a risk assessment – ashtrays aren’t close to flammable materials, glass should be in sturdy bins –and ensuring protocol is followed throughout your event.”
The food
If it is a standing-up situation, finger food is a winner. Everyone loves the classic favourites, egg and cress or cucumber sandwiches, sausage rolls and scones.
Ask everyone to bring a dish. Stacey-Rebekka suggest making it a potluck draw, or ask people to create their own favourite or national dishes.
Big brands are getting in on the fun. Picks to buy include: Hellmanns Coronation Mayonnaise (£2.25), Morrisons Corgi Cake (£6), and The Bottled Baking Co Platinum Jubilee cake mix (£10.99).
When it comes to drinks you could hire, beg or borrow a tea urn, but if alcohol is on the menu make it BYO.
If you want a real royal treat, the Queen’s favourite tipple is said to be the Dubonnet cocktail, made with one part gin, two parts Dubonnet and stirred over ice with an orange or lemon twist.
Plan the location
Firstly Stacey-Rebekka advises finding out which neighbours have a pop-up gazebo you could use.
“Plan for all weather,” she says. “And it’ll also be handy to use as a shaded area if we’re lucky and it’s sunny.”
Experts at furniture, garden and DIY retailer VonHaus believe there’s only one way to go for decor – red, white and blue. “Wrap bunting around fences or trees,” said a spokeswoman. “Give guests party hats and crowns and place toothpick flags into cakes.”
The likes of Poundland will have plenty of choice nearer the time. Online picks include Platinum Jubilee Bunting (£4.95), Amazon.co.uk, and “Party Like Royalty” Bunting (£7.99) and Queen’s Jubilee Street Party Cupcake Topper Decorations (£3.99), both from gingerray.co.uk.
Writing names on paper cups helps cut waste, as people won’t ask for a new one every time they lose track of which one was theirs. Stacey-Rebekka suggests getting neighbours to bring their own cutlery, plates and glasses. She says: “Single-use plastic is a massive no-no.”
When it comes to entertainment, Stacey-Rebekka says: “Find out what skills you have on your street. Does anyone do face painting? Do you have any budding musicians?”
And to warm up the guests, here are some winning suggestions:
1. Try a neighbourhood quiz. Who’s lived on the street the longest? Who is the youngest? Who cycles to work? Give out the question sheets and offer a prize. It gives people an easy ice breaker, as they will have to mingle.
2. Hold your own Bake Off, or one for adults and another for children.
3. Traditional games will bring generations together – try hopscotch, skittles or duck, duck goose.
4. Royal-themed fancy dress might be tricky but a simpler theme, where everyone has to wear at least one item that is red, white or blue, is easier.
Add a children’s crown-making competition, using only recycled waste. It is green, creative and doesn’t incur any extra cost for parents.
- For more tips visit streetparty.org.uk, edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-jubilee-lunch
