READING Borough Council has set out its timings for community parties this summer, with four weeks ear-marked for street parties and events this year.
Communities across Reading are being invited to apply for road closures without closure fees as the UK marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day.
The Big Lunch will see four weekends set aside to mark an annual get-together aimed at helping residents across the UK take part in communal event to share food, friendship, and fun.
The weekends which have been set aside are June 7-8, The Big Lunch weekend; June, 28-29, marking Armed Forces Day; July 5-6; and July 12-13.
Permission will normally be given for a road closure subject to it not affecting a main through-route or public transport route.
Applicants will need to consult with neighbours and take any concerns into account.
They will also be responsible for ensuring emergency services can access a road if required.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “Communities have been staging street parties across Reading for a number of years as part of the Big Lunch initiative.
“The Council is once again encouraging neighbours to get-together by waiving the road closure fee which would normally be charged.
“Residents have a choice of four weekends to take advantage of this offer to ensure as many people as possible have an opportunity to take part.
“This year is the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day so it would be a fantastic opportunity to bring neighbours together, perhaps to mark Armed Forces Day on 28 June, and pay tribute to all those who have served and those who continue to serve.”
Inspiration and planning support for organising street parties can be found at The Big Lunch website at: edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch and The Street Party website via: streetparty.org.uk.
The deadline for applications is Monday, April 21.
Applications to host a street party can be made via: reading.gov.uk/leisure/things-to-do/events/street-parties/.
