Help! We're Having A Street Party!

Eenymeeny

I'm sure that we aren't the only ones. I'm hoping that we can build up a helpful resource of hints, tips, recipes etc. of how to do this on a limited budget. Maybe some of our OSers can add some memories of what did (and didn't!) work for previous celebrations?
My first problem is how to get some funds to finance it and how to get other people in the street involved? (That's if they want to of course!:D)
I hope that others think this will be helpful and join in...

squeaky

We've got loads of threads on party and buffets which include "making ahead" and budget costs and amounts for x-many people and, of course lots of recipe ideas...

party threads here on MoneySaving Old Style

buffet threads here on MoneySaving Old Style

So a browse through those should help you along.

You might need permission from your local council for this - and may be charged.

Quick look... google street party

All sorts of resources there.

Good luck

spendingmad

We did a street party for Y2K. We 'sold' tickets for £10 per adult £5 per child and included 4 drinks (bottle of beer/glass of wine) per adult and used the rest of the money as food towards a BBQ (sausages/burgers and salads)

I think the main organiser leafleted the street then knocked on doors a few days later to gage interest and recruit helpers. We also allowed non-residents to attend (to increase numbers) and be sure to ask people for items you might need (Music equipment/ gazebos/ bunting etc)

Hope that helps a little!

Eenymeeny

Thanks Squeaky, I'll take a look. I was thinking more of how to approach neighbours etc. Maybe a flyer through every door? It has been suggested by an older resident who remembers the Queen's Jubilee party in the street. I'm thinking that it's a nice idea to rekindle the community spirit that was there, but there are a lot of new people in the street now...
Cross posting! Thanks SpendingMad that's the kind of advice that I meant! Thanks a lot, any other thoughts please?

Horace

Have fun, I can remember the street party we had back in 1977. Various mothers knocked on doors up and down the street to see who would be interested. To raise funds they held jumble sales etc.

I remember that we had a fancy dress contest for the kids with the winner winning a certain amount of cash. We had welly wanging on the local park, as well as a bonfire with fireworks. Most people in the village attended and our guests of honour were the oldest couple in the village who had lived there all their lives.

Food wise we had sausages on sticks, cheese n pineapple/onion on sticks, burgers in buns, sausages in buns.

I would say go and knock on people's doors and speak to them directly because they get so much junk mail in the form of leaflets through the door they are likely to get dumped without being read.

daska

Definitely knock on doors, don't just leaflet, you'll get a much higher level of involvement. Remember you'll need to talk with your local police as the road will need to be closed - they'll tell you what hoops you need to jump through. Yes, it's possible that you could do it without but you can bet your last penny that grumpy knickers at number 41 will complain if you don't do it by the book. We baked and iced huge round biscuits as medals for races and put them on red ribbons - they went down very well. Last but not least, don't forget that you'll need to clean up after so get a good number of volunteers for that job - unbelievable how much mess you can make having fun!

louise3965

We're having one too. I've leafleted the neighbours, got my responses via many messages and think we will keep it simple. I will make some bunting and some decorations and everyone is bringing their own food and chairs etc. We will do it at the end of our cul de sac and will beg that cars aren't moved on the day. I'll bring our giant bbq out and there is a humungous trampoline in a neighbours garden.

I will go buy some poundland invitations tomorrow.

Any hints or ideas greatly received

Eenymeeny

Just realised that I didn't get back on this, sorry.:o
We decided to go for public liability insurance, just in case, which has cost us about £60.
We are having barbecues stationed around the street for anyone to use. (Everyone providing their own food and drink)
Wheelie bins and recycling boxes for everyone's use will be spread around too.
It's surprising how many people have volunteered help including face painting, a tug of war, craft sessions for the kids and anyone else who wants to join in. In fact we've unearthed quite a talented community! Any household wishing to take part have contributed a fiver which covered the insurance and some bunting etc.
Now all we need is some good weather, fingers crossed for everyone.

mumtosix

We too are having a street party (although our council organised our public liability insurance so was free). We're having a 'cream tea' from 2-5 with party games for the children, inc best jubilee hat! & from 5.30 onwards a bbq (we've provided) just supply your own drinks) with games & quiz for the adults. We're also asking people to wear something from the decades or red, white & blue! Just hoping the weather stays lovely! We also registered with the Big Lunch. Hope everyone else has a good time!

LV_Sue

Don't know if this will help anyone having a Jubilee street party. Printable Heaven website have downloadable decorations, sandwich flags, invitations etc.
http://www.printableheaven.com/section.php/2093/0

heretolearn_2

We are having one too (not me organising it).

Luckily we are a small cul de sac with 12 houses so it's been relatively simple. 10 houses are taking part.

We agreed £10 per house for general expenses/decorations. Then each house is bringing one type of food for the BBQ buffet (salad, rolls, pasta salad, pasties, bread etc) and we are all bringing our own meats. There's going to be one big bbq with one person cooking for us all. Someone else has borrowed a bouncy castle and we've volunteered to have that in our garden as there is open access from the street. Council are providing road closed sign.