You need to apply and receive confirmation of your application for a temporary road closure before 5.30pm on Thursday 10 April 2025.
Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Holding a street party for VE Day 80
Key things to consider when holding a street party
This page contains key considerations for hosting your street party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe in 2025.
We’re supporting residents wanting to hold a street party on Monday 5 May 2025 bank holiday by cancelling the cost to close a residential road.
You can apply for a temporary road closure with the plans for your street party on our ‘VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations' page.
What do I need to consider
Notification
Legal fees and public liability insurance
Legal fees
We will pay the legal fees and meet the cost of notifying emergency services, bus operators and statutory consultees.
Public liability insurance
If your application is approved, we will hand over the responsibility for the public highway to you and your fellow organisers for the duration of the road closure. We recommend you obtain public liability Insurance cover for this period of time from a reputable insurance broker. There are companies offering specific Street Party insurance and temporary public liability Insurance cover is normally available for around £75.
You don’t have to obtain the insurance but need to understand that you will hold all liability for any issues during the street party as the event organiser.
Risk Assessment and emergency access
You must provide access for emergency vehicles at all times. Remember that your road may also be the quickest route to an emergency somewhere else.
We strongly recommend you carry out a risk assessment for your party and have contingency plans in place in case of medical emergencies or accidents including fire. Guidance is available on the Health & Safety Executive website.
You should notify our Safety Advisory Group so that we have a central list and can make sure there’s nothing in your plans that is a cause for concern.
Food safety, alcohol and entertainment
Food safety
Food supplied, sold or provided at charity or community events, such as street parties, school fêtes or fundraisers, must comply with food law and be safe to eat. Further information can be found on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website
Alcohol and entertainment
If you intend to sell alcohol or to have large scale entertainment, you will need a public entertainment licence. If you have any questions about applying for a licence, please contact our licensing team at licensing@rbwm.gov.uk.
Fireworks, paid catering and music
If your plans involve fireworks, paid catering or if amplified music is one of the main purposes of the event, you will need to email our Environmental Health team at env.health@rbwm.gov.uk.
Neighbour concerns
You should consult with all neighbours before applying to us to hold a street party.
If a neighbour has any concerns about your proposals, please speak to them to agree the actions that you can take to address them. Make sure you include these clearly in your event plan to us.
Sustainability
We’ve put together some tips on how to help reduce the environmental impact of your party and minimise the amount of clean-up at the end!
- Bring your own tableware and reuse tablecloths and sheets. Save money and the environment by avoiding single use or plastic options where you can.
- Replace paper invites with digital invites.
- Purchase your produce from local suppliers to support your neighbours.
- Bring re-useable containers to take home left over food and drink.
- Provide plant-based options to reduce the carbon footprint of your plate.
- Choose biodegradable and recyclable decorations, don’t let them end up in landfill.
If you have any questions, please email our sustainability team at sustainability@rbwm.gov.uk.