The Queen visited Margate last year

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee prompts surge of street party enquiries

Royal street party fever looks set to sweep the county this June as preparations begin for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Last year saw Kent topping the list of areas with the most street parties as communities brought out the bunting for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Thousands of people took to the streets, with more than 180 parties taking place across Kent and Medway.

And if early predictions are correct, there could be even more celebrations this year.

County Hall chiefs have called on the public to seize the opportunity to celebrate the historic occasion.

To prepare for the expected flood of applications, Kent County Council is already inviting residents to apply for road closures over any day during the extended four day holiday, which runs from June 2-5.

Cabinet member for environment, highways and waste, Cllr Bryan Sweetland, said the authority was once again waiving charges for street parties on quiet residential roads and cul-de-sacs.

“This ‘can do’ relaxed approach will allow people to organise a Diamond Jubilee celebration with neighbours in a traffic-free street, giving children the chance to play freely for a change,” he said.

”We are aiming to repeat the success of Kent’s Royal Wedding street party scheme, when we were one of the top local authorities in the country for the number of residential street parties.

“This was achieved by making the application process very easy. Organisers only have to complete a simple online form.

“In addition, there is no charge for processing applications or for road closure signs that we will provide.

“This means parties in quiet residential roads and cul-de-sacs can be held for free.”

He added: “We wish Her Majesty every happiness and hope residents in Kent will seize the opportunity to celebrate this historic occasion.”

According to the Local Government Association (LGA), public interest in Royal celebrations has recently soared and predictions suggest the number of street parties will significantly surpass last year’s total for the Royal nuptials.

Despite still being five months away, councils are being inundated with enquiries from residents wanting to mark the Jubilee.

The chair of the LGA’s culture, tourism and sport board, Cllr Chris White, said: “There was a lot of interest last year for the Royal Wedding but it wasn’t until much nearer the event.

“It really seems as if Britain’s street party tradition has been well and truly resurrected and people are already planning to dust down their fold-out tables and unpack the bunting.”

Deadline for street party applications is Friday, May 18.

Organisers can fill in an application form online at www.kent.gov.uk/news_and_events/diamond_jubilee.aspx.

For streets in Medway go to www.medway.gov.uk/communityandliving/streetparties.aspx.