Tips for the Perfect Jubilee Street Party

On the 6th February this year, Her Majesty the Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service on the throne. Celebrations for this momentous occasion will be happening all throughout the year in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, including a four-day bank holiday from June 2nd to June 5th! So, here’s Northern Life’s 7 party tips to celebrate 70 years…

1. Talk to your neighbours!

In order to give her Majesty the party she deserves, get everybody on the street involved! Knock on doors, introduce yourself to people on the street you may not be familiar with and let everybody know you’re thinking about having a street party. It may be a good idea to set up a Facebook or WhatsApp group to keep everybody up to date and be able to share ideas.

2. Check with your council

There’s nothing that kills a party’s vibe more than a beeping car! To prevent any disruptions during the street party it’s a good idea to check with your local council about their road closure procedures, that way you can legally block road access and have more space to celebrate without having to look both ways before crossing the street!

3. Street layout

Think about your street and what would work for you. Maybe some folding tables in a row going down the middle of the street? Some pop-up gazebos or marquees? Chat with your neighbours and see what you have collectively (you might be surprised as to what you already have!) Chat with local businesses to see if they can donate anything for the day. Ask your farming friends if they have any haystacks you can borrow for additional seating! Make sure you prepare for the British weather: Hope for sunshine, prep for rain!

4. Plan food and drinks

What would a street party be without nibbles and drinks? A cost-effective way to plan for this street party is to arrange a potluck!  Get everybody who is able to on the street to bring something – sandwiches, pizza, cake, crisps, fizzy drinks, beer, wine, water, fruit juice. Whatever you fancy! If making food please be transparent and inclusive, ask your neighbours if they have any dietary requirements or allergies such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, peanut allergy. In an effort to be environmentally friendly try using reusable plates and cups rather than single-use plastics.

5. Plan activities

The last thing you want when going to all the effort of setting up a street party is for it to be boring. Make sure to plan some fun things to do!

Here are some ideas:

• Face painting
• Singing
• Dancing
• Fancy dress competition
• Egg and spoon race
• Trivia
• Board games
• Pass the parcel
• Tug of war
• Relay race

Also, music is essential to a good party so make sure someone has a good speaker and crank it to 11!

6. Decorations

Get creative and resourceful with decorations. There’s no need to buy all new stuff, chat with your neighbours and see what you have between yourselves. Get some pictures of the queen to plaster on the street and lots of Union flags! Bunting is an essential, cut up some card or paper into triangles and attach them to strong string with staples as a fun DIY activity with the kids.

7. Time to party

Now all the hard work is done it’s time raise a glass for the Queen’s 70 years of service and cheers to many more! Please ensure when having a street party to be respectful of non-participating neighbours and remember to keep the street clean by picking up any litter and recycling when possible.