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The Coronation Big Lunch, at which neighbours and communities are invited to share food and fun together, will take place across the country on Sunday 7 May. Then on Monday 8 May, the day of the extra bank holiday, people are encouraged to take part in The Big Help Out, by volunteering for themselves and joining the work being undertaken to support their local areas.
North Somerset Council is encouraging communities to put their arrangements in place early if they're thinking about organising a get-together to celebrate the Coronation.
"We hope that people will use the Coronation as an opportunity to come together and enjoy the celebrations, and street parties are a great way to do this," said Cllr Steve Bridger, Leader of North Somerset Council. "Anyone wanting to organise a street party in their road should follow the guidance we've published on our website."
There are no fees for road closures over the Coronation weekend, but applications will need to be registered by no later than Friday 10 March.
"We want to make it as easy as possible for people to hold a street party, but there are some legal and safety considerations that need to be in place. Where road closures are needed they have to be applied for in advance so that we can advertise all the proposed closures, which is a legal requirement, and gives us time to deal with any objections.
"I would urge people to get their requests in as early as possible before 10 March so that we can bundle all the requests together. That way we can cover the cost in one legal order, and save tax payers' money."
More information about organising street parties and how to apply for a road closure is available on the council's website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/kingscoronationstreetparty.
In areas where street parties might be impractical, communities may want to consider arranging a ‘picnic in the park’ instead. North Somerset Council will be able to allow a small number of these events in appropriate local parks and open spaces. Each event can be for a maximum of 50 people, and picnic applications should be made on the council's website. All applications will be reviewed and permission granted where possible. Parks are for everyone’s enjoyment so approved picnics will need to enable others to continue using the park and must follow event guidelines. No fires or barbecues will be allowed and public liability insurance is recommended for all events.
Coronation Big Lunch starter packs are available at: www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch.
Local volunteering organisations wanting to get involved in the Big Help Out are being asked to enter their details soon at thebighelpout.org.uk.