Applications from residents and Street Friends applying to hold a street party in support of the Big Lunch 2026 on 5 to 8 June are again being processed free of charge.
Although some street party applicants have already been received, applicants for street parties are being reminded to apply in good time, with the closing date for applications being Monday 2 March 2026. This allows for the application to be processed and potential road closure orders to be issued.
Whilst party organisers always need the council’s permission to hold an event on the road or pavement, fees only normally apply if a road needs to be closed. The confirmation of road closure fees being waived in support of the Big Lunch follow the pattern in previous years and also support the council’s Street Friends initiative.
Councillor Nicholas Bennett, Executive Councillor for Transport, Highways and Road Safety said, “The council is again showing its support for coming together and all the benefits this brings, with the council waiving all the administration and legal costs for road closures in connection with the Big Lunch. Many residents use this time as an opportunity to get together, which we are highly supportive of, with the community spirit it generates, which also supports our partnership work with Street Friends. Please apply as early as you can as this helps us from an administration perspective.”
By bulk processing the anticipated larger number of applications, efficiencies are made, enabling the potential associated road closures to be processed without the normal road closure fee, which is being waived in support of the Big Lunch on 5 to 8 June 2026.
Party organisers are not required to have public liability insurance cover for their event, but it is strongly recommended. However, they must ensure that certain conditions are met. These include having diversion and warning signs, with flashing lamps at each vehicle access point and being able to easily remove tables, chairs and other temporary objects to allow access for emergency vehicles. Similarly, banners and bunting hanging across the road must be secured at a height of at least 7 metres.
Once approved, the council will inform the emergency services, public utility and bus companies of the planned street party. Street party information and application forms are available or call 0300 303 8658.
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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.