6 min read
20th February 2023

Hosting A Street Party In The Uk: A Complete Guide To Permits, Insurance, And Safety

Photo by Russ Brown from Public Domain Pictures street party

Guide For Street Party Organisers


How Do I Organise A Street Party?

Here are some steps you can follow to organise a street party:

  1. Obtain permission: Check with local authorities to ensure that you have the necessary permits and permissions to organise a street party.
  2. Plan the event: Determine the date, time, and location of the street party. Invite neighbours and set a clear agenda for the event.
  3. Set up: Arrange for tables, chairs, decorations, and other essentials for the party. Make sure you have enough food and drinks for all attendees.
  4. Promote the event: Spread the word about the street party through flyers, social media, and word of mouth. Encourage attendees to bring their friends and family.
  5. Prepare for emergencies: Have a plan in place for emergencies, such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, a designated person to handle emergencies, and get suitable street party liability insurance policy.
  6. Clean up: Make sure to clean up after the party and dispose of any trash properly.
  7. Follow local laws and regulations: Adhere to all local laws and regulations, such as noise ordinances and parking restrictions.

Remember to have fun and be respectful of your neighbours and the community. Back to the top

What Food Is Good For A Street Party?

For a street party, it is a good idea to have a potluck where each attendee brings a dish to share. Here are some food items that are easy to make and popular for potlucks:

  1. Grilled items such as burgers, hot dogs, and kebabs.
  2. Finger foods such as chips and dips, vegetable platters, and fruit platters.
  3. Salads such as pasta salad, potato salad, and coleslaw.
  4. Desserts such as cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.
  5. Drinks such as lemonade, iced tea, and soda.
  6. Snacks such as popcorn, trail mix, and crackers.

Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies of your guests when planning the menu. It is also a good idea to label each dish with the ingredients to ensure everyone knows what they are eating. Back to the top

What Games Should I Organise For The Street Party?

here are some games that can be played at a street party:

  1. Water balloon toss: A fun and refreshing game for hot weather. Participants stand facing each other and toss a water balloon back and forth.
  2. Three-legged race: Participants are paired up and have their legs tied together, then race to the finish line.
  3. Egg and spoon race: Participants carry a raw egg on a spoon and race to the finish line without dropping the egg.
  4. Hula hoop contest: Participants compete to see who can hula hoop the longest.
  5. Treasure hunt: Hide small prizes around the area and have attendees search for them.
  6. Sack race: Participants race while hopping in a sack.
  7. Relay race: Participants race in teams, passing a baton from one person to the next.
  8. Ball games such as basketball, volleyball, and four square.

Remember to have prizes for the winners and to encourage fair play and sportsmanship. It's also a good idea to have extra games and activities on hand in case the main games finish early or if there are any interruptions. Back to the top

Do I Need Insurance For A Street Party In The UK?

If you are organising a street party in the UK, it is recommended that you have public liability insurance to protect yourself and others from any potential accidents or injuries that may occur during the event.

Public liability insurance is not legally required to hold a street party in the UK, but some local councils or authorities may require you to have it to obtain a permit for the event. Additionally, some venues may require you to have insurance as part of their terms and conditions.

Having public liability insurance can give you peace of mind and protect you financially if someone is injured or if damage occurs to property during your event. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so it is worth considering taking out this type of insurance before hosting a street party.

It is advisable to consult with your local council or authority and an insurance professional to understand the specific requirements and risks associated with hosting a street party in your area. Back to the top

Do I Need A Permit For A Street Party In The UK?

Yes, you generally need to obtain a permit from your local council or authority in the UK to host a street party. The process for obtaining a permit may vary depending on your location, but in general, you will need to submit an application to your local council at least 6-12 weeks before the proposed date of the event.

The permit may include specific conditions and requirements that must be met to ensure the safety of attendees and minimise disruption to the local community. These may include things like providing details of the event, such as the time, location, and number of attendees, obtaining public liability insurance, and obtaining necessary permissions from emergency services and other relevant authorities.

Some councils may also offer support and guidance to help you organise your street party and ensure that it runs smoothly. It's important to consult with your local council or authority to understand the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a permit in your area. Back to the top

How Do I Get A Permit For A Street Party In The UK?

To obtain a permit for a street party in the UK, you will need to follow a specific process set out by your local council or authority. The process can vary depending on your location, but in general, you can expect to follow these steps:

  1. Contact your local council or authority: Find out who you need to contact to obtain a permit for a street party in your area. This could be your local council or the highways department of your local authority.
  2. Complete an application form: Your council or authority will likely provide an application form for you to fill out. This will require information about the proposed date, time, location, and duration of the event, as well as estimated attendance numbers and any other details requested.
  3. Obtain public liability insurance: Your council or authority may require you to obtain public liability insurance for the event. This will protect you and others from any potential accidents or injuries that may occur during the event.
  4. Obtain any necessary permissions: You may need to obtain additional permissions from the police, fire service, or other relevant authorities, depending on the size and nature of your event.
  5. Pay any fees: Your council or authority may charge a fee for processing your application and issuing the permit.
  6. Follow any conditions and requirements: Your permit may include specific conditions and requirements that must be met to ensure the safety of attendees and minimise disruption to the local community. Be sure to follow these carefully.

It's important to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to obtain a permit for your street party. Contact your local council or authority as early as possible to find out what the specific requirements and procedures are in your area. Back to the top

What Safety Arrangements Do I Need To Put In Place For My Street Party?

When organising a street party, safety should be a top priority. Here are some safety arrangements that you should consider putting in place:

  1. First Aid: Ensure that there is at least one designated person on-site who is trained in first aid and has a fully stocked first aid kit.
  2. Crowd Control: Plan to have enough volunteers or security personnel to manage crowds and control access to the event area.
  3. Food Safety: If food is being served, ensure that it is properly prepared, handled and stored to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
  4. Traffic Management: Consider closing off the street to vehicle traffic during the event and arranging alternative routes for emergency vehicles. If this is not possible, provide adequate signage and barriers to protect attendees from passing traffic.
  5. Fire Safety: Ensure that any flammable decorations or materials are kept away from heat sources and have fire extinguishers available.
  6. Waste Management: Provide plenty of bins and ensure that they are regularly emptied to avoid any build-up of rubbish.
  7. Accessibility: Consider the needs of attendees with disabilities and ensure that the event is accessible to all.
  8. Contingency Plans: Have contingency plans in place for bad weather, power outages, medical emergencies, or any other potential issues.

Remember, each event is unique, and the safety arrangements needed will depend on the specific nature and size of your street party. It's important to consult with your local council or authority for guidance on any specific safety requirements or regulations that may apply to your event. Back to the top.


facebook
tweet

You may also like to read: