Royal wedding street parties - last chance to apply

Residents planning a street party to celebrate the royal wedding on 29 April should get in touch with the Council by the end of this month.

That's the message to party planners as the Council aims to cut the red tape and make the process as simple as possible so that everyone can enjoy the day.

So far it looks as if there could be 16 street parties across the borough to marks the wedding of HRH Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton and all will be given Council support to ensure hassle-free celebrations.

Practical advice and information are contained in a special street parties leaflet available from council offices and local libraries and online at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/publications_royal_wedding_street_party_leaflet.htm. It sets out the things organisers need to get sorted in advance, leaving them free to enjoy the day with their friends and families.

Cllr Colin Rayner, Cabinet Member for Highways and Streetcare, said: "We have had a very positive response from across the community and I am delighted that local people want to get together with their families, friends and neighbours to make this a really joyous occasion.

"The Council is determined to do everything possible to make it a fantastic time for everyone, which is why we will cover the costs of making the Traffic Order. Let's show the happy couple that the Royal Borough knows how to celebrate and have fun on a royal wedding day!"

The leaflet has an at-a-glance check list of things to do, including:
• notifying the Council about the street party date to ensure there is no potential clash with other events
• working with the Council to get a temporary road closure (legally necessary even if the closure is for just a few minutes)
• getting public liability insurance
• finding out if a temporary event notice is needed.

Although aimed primarily at those organising street parties, the leaflet covers all events likely to be held on the public highway and will be a useful source of information and contacts for other event organisers in the future. It also contains a reply-paid road closure request form to make the process as easy as possible.

Residents planning a street party should get in touch with the Council by Thursday 31 March 2011.

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