There’s something very British about a street party, and many people will see the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday as the perfect occasion to throw one! But for many thinking of holding their own, the idea of planning a street party can be really daunting. However, it’s a lot simpler than you may think.
Here at Wholesale Sweets, we’ll take any chance we get to celebrate! That’s why we’ve collected everything you need to know, so you can get yourself organised and throw the sweetest jubilee street party!
Planning Your Street Party
When you start the planning process for a street party, your mind can whirr thinking of everything you need to organise, but working with your neighbours will make it easier for everyone involved.
First of all, it’s important to point out what differentiates a street party from other public events. The event will have to be self-organised; held in a quiet residential road, block of flats or local green space; and only be for residents and neighbours to be classed as a street party.
Coming together with your neighbours will make planning so much easier, and less stressful for everyone, too. Have meetings in the street, give yourselves plenty of time and share out jobs to spread ownership and build excitement for the event! A street group on WhatsApp or Facebook is a great way to stay up to date and keep things on track. Once you have the basics planned, you can submit your details to get your street party listed on the Platinum Jubilee website!
Getting Permission
You can easily have food, music and even alcohol at your party – and not need a licence. If the sole purpose of the event is amplified music, or you plan on selling alcohol, you will need to apply for a Temporary Events Notice. Most parties won’t need one, but if you do they cost a reasonable £21.
You’ll also be pleased to learn that if you’re looking into closing the road for the duration of the party, then you simply need to ask your local council for permission. It is recommended that you do this around six weeks beforehand. There are no legal deadlines however, so you can ask later than this, but you’re less likely to be accepted. If you contact your local council, they will want to speak to organisers – but don’t worry! The main thing they need to know is where and when the party is happening so they can plan around it and make sure the emergency services are aware. Some councils will even lend you the signage for the road closure, but if not, there are companies that specialise in renting them out.
Bunting & Gazebos
Decorations are a huge part of what makes a street party feel special. From bunting to posters, flags and anything else you choose, these are all things that transform your street and help make it unique.
You can create your own bunting. This is a lovely way to add character to your street decorations. The process is really simple, as you only need some rope or string, and then triangles of paper, card or cloth. It doesn’t matter what material it is, and everyone can add their own triangles to make it personal! Perhaps have a theme for everyone to stick to, whether that’s around the Queen (it is her jubilee, after all) or something relevant to your neighbourhood.
Posters for the event are another sweet idea. Not only will kids on the street enjoy making them, but they’re a heart-warming way to spread the word. Make sure the details of the party are on there,
As well as decorating with bunting, gazebos and marquees help make a carnival atmosphere. Not only do they look great, but they add shelter too, whether that’s from the sun, wind or rain! These can be expensive, so ask friends or family if they have one that you could borrow for the day. Or even better, neighbours may have their own already!
If you can’t find any to borrow and can’t justify the expenditure, then don’t worry. Whilst it’s useful to have some shelter from the elements, the party can still go ahead as planned. The beauty of a street party is that nobody is ever far from home!
Food & Drink
The food and drink is one of the most exciting parts of any party, right? With much loved treats, there’s usually something for each and every party goer to get excited about. Whatever collection of delights you have, a food table is the ideal way to serve your it all. Having everything in one place means it’s easier to both help yourself to as well as maintain.
When planning party food, the first thing we think of is a pick n mix sweet table! Not only are they exciting, but they’re so easy to set up, too. Once you’ve got a table, simply choose your pick n mix sweets and line them up on your table. Add in some cups or sweet cones for people to fill, and there you have it!
For ease and value, sweet tubs are hard to beat. The bulk containers give you plenty of party sweets, whilst they’re resealable which is great for freshness and hygiene. With favourites from Haribo, Swizzels and delicious halal choices from Sweetzone, you won’t be short for choice. The Ravazzi Gummy Crowns and Princess Chocolate Coin Nets and fabulous regal choices, and with our pick and mix delivery service will bring your order right to your door, giving you one less thing to go shopping for!
As with everything, don’t leave all of the food to one person. Perhaps someone gets finger food, another neighbour sorts some sweets and if you have a keen baker, they could bake a scrumptious cake. If you’re the one making a cake, you’ll find delicious baking sauces and toppers, with all of your favourite flavours. From Lotus Biscoff to Cadbury Dairy Milk and plenty of other exciting additions, there’s plenty of inspiration for your Jubilee party cake.
Whilst you don’t need a permit for serving food at a street party, it is still worthwhile to read the advice on how to best serve it from the Food Standards Agency. You want to make sure everything is hygienic, and everyone stays safe!
Entertainment
This is the area that will be most unique for each street! Whether you adapt classic party games or fairground classics there are so many activities that residents of all ages will enjoy.
Outdoor games like giant Jenga are perfect for street parties. Not only are they fun, but they’re great at bringing people together! Popular fairground games like cornhole are a good addition, too. Given that the party is in celebration on the Queen, let your imagination run wild on that theme! Whether you have a ‘Pin the Crown on the Queen’ set up or even a fancy dress contest, it is a fun theme to get into.
Competitions are always a fun addition to a street party. Guess how many sweets are in a jar is a riddle that we all love trying to solve, whilst you could even set up a raffle. Again, you don’t need a permit to hold one of these, as long as you meet a few simple criteria.
Whilst the best party activities are suited to people of all ages, it is still a good idea to think about the little ones in particular. Setting out activities such as colouring or drawing stations are easy ways to keep the tots happy. With numerous themed stencils available online, you could print a selection and have a colouring competition!
On the Day
If everyone comes together on the day as they did throughout the planning, then you’re set for a memorable Jubilee Celebration! Give everyone their own tasks when setting up so it is a team effort, and nobody is over worked. Then once everything is in place, all that is left is to enjoy celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee!
Hopefully, these tips help you seamlessly plan a sweet street party that the whole community loves. If you have any queries about any of our products, or delivery time, get in touch with our team and we’ll happily help you out.
