I was encouraged to see David Cameron today talking up people holding street parties to celebrate the Royal Wedding, due to take place later this month (on the 29th, if you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months). His approach should be welcomed by all event organisers – reduce red tape, stop councils getting in the way and allow people just to have a good time. I just hope that the ‘common sense approach’ is allowed to continue past the Big Day and will see councils working with event organisers on all events to make them happen…
As someone who spends a lot of time working with – and only sometimes against 
– local authorities to get events up and running I think that this should be seen as a good thing. Reducing red tape and the amount of paperwork can only help Britain as we move forward, rather that the usual strangulation in red tape.
All this being said, I still believe that there is a huge difference between someone putting together a street party for a few neighbours and the events we get involved with. Cutting red tape is one thing, but you wouldn’t catch me out at an event without my trusty H&S manual and insurance certificate in hand – its just seeing sense and applying it. Twenty people for a street party is one thing – twenty thousand for a festival is something else!
The Department for Communities has posted some handy guidelines for planning a street party on their website – however they list the key points:
- It should be straight forward to close your road – the council need to know but shouldn’t make it unduly complicated. If councils really need more information, they will contact organisers. If councils ask for excessive information, they should be challenged. In addition – many councils will charge nothing for Royal Wedding street parties. If your council is charging, you have every right to challenge them.
- There is no requirement from central government to have public liability insurance. Many councils do not insist on so you can challenge those who do (although it can’t hurt to give Doodson Broking Group a call on 0161 419 3000 for a quote – just to cover yourself).
- There is no requirement for a food license.
- It isn’t too late to ask for a road closure – ask your council to be flexible.
- Its never too late to plan a party – there are some hints and tips on the Street Alive website.
- Ask your local council if you can borrow road cones and signs.
Find out more from the Department for Communities Royal Wedding website
See the BBC News story