A Helpful Guide to Organising a Street Party
Organising a street party is a fantastic way to bring the community together and celebrate special occasions in a memorable way. Whether it's a Royal celebration, a neighbourhood anniversary, or just a chance to enjoy good food and company, hosting a street party requires careful planning and attention to detail, so we put together this handy guide. Discover how to host an amazing street party, from weatherproofing your event to catering and entertainment options. So, let's get started and make your street party an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
Weatherproofing Your Party
One of the key considerations when planning a street party is the unpredictable British weather. To ensure that your event is not affected by rain or scorching heat, it's essential to have contingencies in place. One of the most effective ways to weatherproof your party is by using marquees or party tents. These versatile structures provide shelter and can accommodate a large number of people.
When choosing a marquee, consider the number of guests and the layout of your party. For a village green or recreational field celebration, a large catering tent, such as the Gala Tent Fusion Modular Marquee, with dimensions of 6m x 12m, can comfortably accommodate up to 100 guests. If you're closing off your street, a narrower structure like the Gala Tent Elite PVC Marquee, measuring 4m x 10m, can provide a wonderful, sheltered space for tables and chairs.
The Gala Tent PE Original Marquee is the perfect choice for
covering a large number of guests on a stricter budget than the PVC or Fusion Marquee offerings.
With the addition of some furniture a Gala Tent PE Marquee can become an elegant and stylish shelter,
keeping your street party guests sheltered from the elements, whether rain or sun.
It uses 38mm powder-coated
steel tubular poles in the framework and would need
to be erected safely by around 5-6 people, in no more
than around 2 hours.
The 240gsm Polyethylene covers are double coated to
ensure they are waterproof, and the sidewalls connect
using zips. It is a great tent for catering as it is large
enough to cover a good-sized street party, and can
easily double up as shelter for live entertainment.
Available in 3m, 4m and 6m widths starting from 3m x 2m all the way up to 6m x 24m.
Introducing the Gala Tent PVC Marquee, a versatile structure designed specifically for medium or large scale outdoor events. This spacious marquee is built to accommodate a large number of people over several days.
The covers of the Gala Tent PVC Marquee are made from durable 650gsm wipe-clean PVC, making them much more dense and heavy duty than the PE Marquee covers. This feature makes it particularly suitable for high traffic or muddy areas. Even if it has been pouring rain, you can easily restore the marquee to its pristine condition upon returning to the base after the street party. The framework boasts sturdy 44mm powder-coated steel tubular poles, providing crucial strength for a structure of this size, but will take a small group to erect it securely. Additionally, the roof section includes cross-beams that enhance stability. With a height of 3.7m, this imposing tent will have no trouble housing an entire street of eager attendees.
One of the key benefits of the Gala Tent PVC Marquee is its effortless cleaning process. Regardless of the weather conditions, you can maintain a spotless tent for your next street party.
Decorating Your Party
To create a festive atmosphere at your street party, it's important to pay attention to the decorations. If you're hosting a Royal celebration, embrace the spirit by incorporating Union Jack decorations and a red, white, and blue colour scheme. Flags, bunting, balloons, and tablecloths in these patriotic colours will add a touch of elegance and create a cohesive theme throughout the event. Remember, when it comes to decorations, the more, the merrier!
Catering Your Party
Food is a crucial aspect of any street party, and careful planning is essential to ensure that everyone is well-fed and satisfied. Depending on the scale of your party, you can choose between a buffet, afternoon tea with cakes, or a sit-down meal. If you're organising a community party, consider assigning someone to oversee the catering and delegate responsibilities to different individuals or families. This will help avoid duplication and ensure a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.
When it comes to drinks, you can decide whether to provide communal beverages or have guests bring their own. Clearly communicate this to all attendees to avoid any confusion. Additionally, consider providing non-alcoholic options and catering to different preferences to ensure everyone feels included.
Organise the Activities
To make your street party engaging and enjoyable for everyone, it's essential to plan and organise a range of activities. Depending on the age group and interests of your attendees, you can include games, raffles, auctions, and even a community float parade. Outdoor games like Giant Jenga, Connect Four, or Ring Toss are always crowd-pleasers and can be easily sourced online. Additionally, consider hiring local musicians or arranging a firework display to add a touch of spectacle and entertainment to the event.
Safety Measures:
Ensuring the safety of all attendees should be a top priority when hosting a street party. Here are some key safety measures to consider:
- Plan the layout of the party area to allow easy access for emergency services if needed.
- If your party takes place on a bus route, inform the bus company in advance to make necessary arrangements.
- If you're closing a road, obtain permission from your local council and follow their guidelines for road closures.
- Consider having first aid supplies on hand and designate a responsible individual to handle any medical emergencies.
- By taking these safety precautions, you can ensure a smooth and secure street party experience for everyone involved.
Seating and Comfort
Providing adequate seating and comfort is crucial to ensure that your guests can relax and enjoy the festivities. Consider borrowing tables and chairs to accommodate everyone. If you're wanting your guests to relax in comfort, check out our Inflatable Chesterfield Sofas and Chairs, providing convenient and comfort in style. If you're hosting a larger event, you may need to consider additional seating options such as picnic blankets or bean bags. Creating designated areas for relaxation and mingling will enhance the overall comfort and ambiance of the party.
Capturing Memories
A street party is a special occasion that deserves to be documented and cherished for years to come. Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture the highlights of the event. Alternatively, encourage attendees to take their own pictures and share them on social media using specific hashtags. This not only preserves the memories but also helps promote the event and create a sense of community pride. Remember, the more photographs, the better!
Permissions and Logistics
Before hosting a street party, it's important to understand and comply with any legal requirements or guidelines set by your local council. In most cases, you will need to obtain permission to close the road and may need to arrange for temporary road closure signs and cones. Some councils may assist with contacting emergency services and transport providers, while others may require you to handle these responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the procedures in your area and ensure that all necessary permissions and logistics are in place well in advance.
Promoting Your Street Party
To ensure a successful turnout, it's crucial to promote your street party effectively. Utilise various channels such as social media, community notice boards, and local newspapers to spread the word. Create eye-catching flyers or posters to display in local shops or community centres. Encourage attendees to invite their friends and neighbours and emphasise the inclusive and fun nature of the event. The more people you can reach, the more vibrant and exciting your street party will be.
Gala Tent: Your Marquee Solution
When it comes to choosing the perfect marquee for your street party, Gala Tent offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. From the affordable Original PE Marquee to the rugged Elite PVC Marquee, Gala Tent has you covered, and you can be confident in the quality and reliability of your marquee, ensuring a successful street party experience.
By considering factors such as weatherproofing, decorations, catering, activities, safety, seating, and permissions, you can create an unforgettable event that brings your community together. With the versatile range of marquees offered by Gala Tent, you can ensure that your guests are comfortable and protected, no matter the weather. So, start planning, gather your neighbours, and get ready for a street party that will be talked about for years to come!
For more information and assistance with choosing the perfect marquee for your street party, contact our event specialists on 01709 242454 or request a call back here. Let the celebration begin!
