Hold a Street Party in 2011

A great way to get to know the neighbours

In 2010, at least 55 street parties were held in Oxford.  On the basis of parties per head of population, Oxford had more street parties in 2010 than anywhere else in the UK – including Bristol which is known as the street party capital of the UK. We are hoping that even more people will hold a street party in 2011. We are hoping that even more people will hold a street party in 2011. We know of 10 parties that took place for the Royal Wedding Bank Holiday and others are registering now for parties over the Summer and early Autumn. 

We promote and support Street Parties in Oxford by -

• providing tips, ideas, practical guidance about how to make a success of a street party
• facilitating an equipment sharing forum and are building a stock of street party kits for loan
• co-ordinating with the Local Authorities to ensure it is easy as possible for people to hold parties eg insurance and road closures

Why?

Street Parties are fun and a great way to get to know the neighbours and bring communities together. Children just love getting out there and playing in their street. For comments from people who have held a street party an what they enjoyed and felt their party achieved – quotes & photo gallery

When?

Street Parties are held throughout the year with residents and neighbourhood groups deciding when to hold their party.  Many choose Street Party Weekend in the middle of September (Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 in 2011) – the climax of the street party year. This is a good time for a street party in many parts of Oxford because a lot of people arrive in our community at the beginning of the school and academic year.  Last year 20 streets partied during street parties weekend which attracted TV and press coverage.

Some streets tie their party in with The Big Lunch which is taking place on Sunday 5 June 2011.

What?

During last year’s street parties, people enjoyed a wide variety of activities – shared meals and BBQs, quizzes, street games, open air cinema, music, charity sale, ‘swap shop’, cycle races, badminton.  Amongst the themes were fiesta, alternative transport and recycling. For full details, street parties 2010 – and more ideas.

We can put you in touch with other streets should you want to share ideas and experiences – email info@oxstreets.org.uk

How?

Have you got a couple of like-minded friends who would join up with you and get a party going in your street? Are you already a member of a local community group? Simply meet up and decide how you want to go about getting a party going – when and what you want to do.

For tips and guidelines about running a successful street party - organising a street party and streetparty.org.uk.  You may want to close your street for your party – if so, visit street closures to find out what to do.  For information about insurance – insurance. Also visit FAQs

Bunting, games etc?

We host a facility for registered groups to lend, borrow and share equipment amongst themselves equipment sharing forum.  We are building a stock of ‘street party’ kits which will be available on loan. 

You might also find that local places of worship, schools and pubs have equipment that they will be happy to lend you.

Why

Register?

We encourage people to register with us.  The more registrations we have, the stronger our voice when liaising with local authorities and others - and the more support and help we can provide through grants etc.  By registering, streets can take part in our equipment sharing forum and could be eligible for borrowing a Street Party Kit from us.  

What

Next?

Once neighbours have got together at a street party, they often find that there are many things they would like to do to improve life in their street on an ongoing basis.  Streets Alive have suggestions as to what might be done - Activate My Street