People from across Stone & Staffordshire are being encouraged to host their own street parties and events to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer.
A host of special events will bring the nation together on 2nd June and throughout the weekend, to celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign. Community groups and organisations across Stafford Borough also have the chance of getting funds as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Staffordshire County Council has pledged to cut much of the red tape, which can sometimes get in the way of local people celebrating and to give the green light to events such as street parties. In most cases people who wish to host a small community event that involves closing their street can go ahead just by following a simple process. It really only starts to get complicated when larger roads need to be closed, where alcohol is being sold or for events where tickets are required.
There are a few simple things that people need to think about, for example how would a fire engine or ambulance get access if there was an emergency, but as long as residents have thought about some fairly simple precautions then it really isn’t a big issue.
There are two ways for residents to apply to have a street party. People can go direct to their district or borough council who have the necessary powers to temporarily close a road. People can also apply to host a street party through the county council website at www.staffordshire.gov.uk.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “We want people to be able to enjoy the Platinum Jubilee this year, as part of what is going to be a fantastic weekend of celebrations across the country.
“Our job as a council is not to stand in people’s way but to give them all they need to organise their own events and celebrations. For many residents, closing their street for the day is a very straightforward process and our highways teams will be happy to provide advice. People need to either speak to their District or Borough Council who will advise them or apply on the county council website. This will make sure there are no conflicts regarding things like roadworks and that people are kept as safe as possible.
“I do hope that lots of communities choose to organise their own activities and events. They are a great way of bringing neighbourhoods together and boosting community spirit.”
Details of events already taking place can be found at https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk/events/
Stafford Borough Council has also set aside funding for groups to bid for up to £1,000 to help them mark the 70 years on the throne of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll.
The cash will be administered by the Community Foundation of Staffordshire as part of the borough council’s ‘Small Grants Fund’. The ‘Foundation’ is an independent charity whose aim is to strengthen local communities across the county.
The fund is open to groups and volunteers in the area who aim to make life better for residents with potential grants of between £100 and £1,000 that can be used to pay for a range of costs such as new equipment, materials, training, or go towards the running of an event. But this year the money will also support projects relating to the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations this summer – and the fund will consider organisations that are planning activities.
Around £8,000 was distributed to several community and voluntary groups, registered charities, and social enterprises last year. Applications close at the end of March and you can find out more from Stafford Borough Council Small Grants – The Community Foundation for Staffordshire.
