Holding a street party

Organising a street party

Your guide to organising a street party on GOV.UK sets out what you need to think about and busts some myths about what's needed.

Checklist

We've put together a checklist of things to do (Word doc, 22 KB) to help you meet your responsibilities to run a safe and successful street party.

What to tell us about

Street parties on quiet streets that don't affect the wider road network count as small events. If you're planning a small event for neighbours, you may need to apply to us for a 'temporary events notice' or other licences.

Tell us:

• the date and time of the party or event
• whether or not you want to close a road or section of road, and its name
• if the road is part of a bus route or used by through traffic
• a list of any properties or businesses affected
• if you've consulted neighbours

Smaller events

You don't have to tell us if you hold a smaller event.
 

Closing a road

You'll need to check if you need to get permission to close a road. The Street Party site gives advice on road closures.

Make sure that the emergency services can still get down the street if they need to.

If your party is on a bus route, the bus company will want to know about it in advance.
 

Licences

Alcohol and food

A licence isn't needed if you're going to provide alcohol for free at your event.

To sell alcohol you'll need a 'temporary events notice' which costs £21. You'll need to apply to us for a Temporary Events Notice.

You'll need to apply for your Temporary Event Notice at least 10 working days before the event date (working days are Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays).

Food can be served and sold up to 11pm without a licence. If you want to serve or sell it after 11pm, contact us.

You don't need a licence to give alcoholic beverages away as prizes, like a bottle of champagne for a winning raffle ticket, but there are rules about what can be given away. Contact us for more information.
 

Music

You don't need a music licence, whether the music is live or prerecorded, as long as your street party is a private party for residents and you haven't advertised the music to make money or attract people.
 

Raffles and tombolas

Gambling regulations don't apply if tombola or raffle tickets are sold on the day and the prizes aren't worth more than £500 in total.

If tickets are sold in advance or your prizes are worth more than £500 contact our Licensing team as you might have to register your raffle as a lottery.
 

Food safety

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) website has advice about providing safe food at street parties and other community events.