Street Parties

Street parties have a long history and are a British tradition.

Street parties are becoming more common with typically relaxed BBQ and food sharing arrangements. Some supporters of street parties believe that they can become widespread and regular throughout the country to promote neighbourliness.

The holding of any street party event in a street in Oxford will generally give rise to a Road Closure Order made by the Council.

In order to promote the City and closer community ties, small street events are exempt from the requirement for public liability insurance only when:

• The event is not publicised for the general public and therefore will not draw in people from the wider area. 
• The event applies to the residents of one or two streets only and not to larger areas of the City. Therefore attendance will generally involve less than 150 people. 
• There is no amplified entertainment which may cause nuisance to the wider area.
• There is no alcohol or food being sold.
• The organisers agree to and sign the disclaimer on the application form

At present there is no fee payable to the Council for applying for a Street Party, or the Road Closure required to hold the Street Party.

Costs

On 1 March 2011, the General Purposes Licensing Committee approved the introduction of a fee for large events and those held for a commercial purpose. Small events (i.e. Street Parties and Community Events) are exempt from any fee for a road closure.

How to Apply to Hold a Street Party

You can download a Street Party Application Form below:

 Street Party Application Form (267kB PDF)

Applications must be completed and submitted to the Licensing Team no later than 6 weeks prior to the date of the event: Licensing Team, Oxford City Council, St Aldate's Chambers, 109 St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1DS.

Further information on what you must do to Temporarily Close A Road can be found on our Road Closures page.

What Else You Need To Do

Before you apply for your Street Party you must ensure that all of the other frontagers (both residential and commercial) of the street to be closed, and of any road(s) that directly adjoin the street to be closed, have been individually notified and have no substantial objection.

If your application is granted, you will be sent two documents. One is the Road Closure Order; the other is the Public Notice. You will need to make laminated copies of the Public Notice and display them in the street not less than one week before the date of the road closure and to take them down as soon as possible after the event.

You will need to obtain some 'ROAD CLOSED' signs and perhaps other signage. Our City Works department may be able to lend these to you or advise where they can be hired from, or they can be bought for about £40 each for future use. You can contact Direct Services at Marsh Road, Oxford, OX4 2HH or telephone: 01865 249811.

Streets for People - supported by Oxford City Council

Oxford Streets for People is an Oxford Civic Society initiative dedicated to encouraging people to enjoy their street. Visit the Streets for People website to find out more about organising a street party in Oxford.

Visit the Street Party website for more advice on planning your street party.

Page last reviewed 20 March 2012