Advice on street parties
This information covers street parties and events that:
- are organised by residents and neighbours for residents and neighbours
- are publicised just for residents, not for the general public
- don't need a licence
Register a street party
You need to register your street party with the Royal Borough of Greenwich at least eight weeks before the event.
Planning your street party
Before you start organising the party, there are a number of things you need to think about.
Read a guide to organising street parties (Gov.UK)
Who you need to tell
As well as letting us know by filling in the registration form, you will need to invite all residents and also let any businesses on your street know of your plans.
The majority of residents will need to agree to the party, and you need to give us details of any objections.
Where to hold your street party
Usually a street party is in your street but it could be held on a grass area or even in a community hall.
When you are choosing where to hold your event, please consider places that will not affect access for buses and emergency vehicles.
Closing the street to traffic
Charges may apply if a road closure is necessary. Closing off a road does not give you the right to stop pedestrians passing through.
It is normally fine to make your own road closure signs, as long as they are clear and visible to everyone.
Timing a street party
You must finish your street party by 9pm. You can start the party whenever you want during the day.
You should let all residents know what time you intend to start and finish the party and take their comments into consideration.
Do you need a licence?
Most small street parties do not need a licence.
You will need licensing permission if you:
- want to sell alcohol
- want to sell hot food and drink after 11pm
- intend to provide entertainment to the wider public
- intend to charge for your event.
In these instances we will help you get a temporary event notice, which costs £21.
Serving food
You do not usually need a licence to sell food at a private party, but any food provided must be safe to eat.
Insurance
We advise organisers to get insurance.
Find out more information about insurance for street parties (Street Party site)
Tombola and raffles
If tombola or raffle tickets are sold on the day and prizes are not worth more than £500 in total, then it will be exempt from gambling regulations.
Proceeds from the tombola or raffle must go to a good cause such as a charity or towards covering the cost of the party.
Find out more about fundraising with raffles (Gambling Commission website)
Risk assessments
We don't insist on a risk plan for small street parties, but it is a good idea to have a back up plan if things do not go as you expected. For example, what will you do if it rains?
Decorations
You can decorate your street for a party, but ensure that any bunting is strung high enough to not obstruct any emergency vehicles that may need access.
Cleaning up
You will need to clean up after your own street party. Have a section set aside for bin bags and recycling