Street parties

If you would like to have a street party you need to ask the council for permission.  We will try wherever possible to give permission for a street party, generally without charge.  We need to be contacted at least 9 weeks before your party date so your application can be processed.  If a road closure order is needed, this takes 9 weeks.

Street parties for The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Street party requests on a road that is busy or a bus route can no longer be considered as the deadline for arranging a road closure order has now passed.

For cul-de-sacs and other minor roads, we need at least 3 weeks notice prior to the party date to ensure we are able to process the application, which is free, although we cannot guarantee permission will be granted.

Road closures

If you want to have a street party in a road that is part of a bus route or is used by a large amount of vehicles a road closure order may be needed.  Road closures are needed to ensure the safety of people attending the party as well as pedestrians and motorists needing to access the road.  We will inform you if you require a closure once we receive and process your application.

There are legal and consultative processes to be followed, which include legal notices published in local newspapers informing people of proposed closures.  But we will contact you if we think you need a road closure and we will guide you through the process.

Approval

You will receive a letter of approval enabling you to use the street for your event.  Unless a road closure is in place, vehicles may still be able to use the road.  We will notify the emergency services and public utility companies of your event.  Approval is given on the understanding that all local residents have been informed of the event and are in agreement for it to take place. It is your responsibility to ensure this happens.

Insurance

We strongly advise you to obtain public liability insurance cover for a minimum limit of indemnity of £2million.

Responsibilities of the party organiser

• At each vehicle access point warning signs and flashing road danger lamps are required.  These are available from hire shops.
• All temporary objects, such as tables and chairs must be easily moveable to allow for emergency vehicle access.
• Any banners or bunting displayed across the road must be at least 7 metres above the road.  This will allow for easy emergency vehicle access.
• Temporary features to the road, such as decorations and litter must be removed when the party has finished.
• Bonfires must not be held on any part of the road including greens.
• The positioning of a barbecue needs to be agreed with  the council - if organisers are planning a barbecue we would ask them to talk to us in advance. 
• Any additional lighting that the party uses must not be run off of the street lighting electricity supply.
• The sale of alcohol is not permitted.

To apply for a street party complete the street party application form.

If you would like to have a raffle at your street party see our lottery registration guide for further information.