More than 16,000 street parties are expected to be held over the Queen’s platinum jubilee bank holiday weekend.
Councils across England have received a “huge number of applications” from residents to celebrate the monarch’s 70-year milestone, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).
A snap poll of a dozen councils by the LGA indicated that they had approved more than 1,000 street parties. Hertfordshire county council has received a record 475 applications.
Over the weekend, several councils across England have waived administration fees for road closures, of which there were 9,500 during the Queen’s diamond jubilee in 2012, the LGA said.
Parades are due to take place across England. Schools, businesses and local communities have also involved themselves with the celebrations.
“We’ve had a week of jubilee celebrations, we’ve had various activities and lessons that are centred around the history of the Queen and her life – everything from art lessons to history lessons,” said Karl Landrum, head of St Gerard’s Catholic primary and nursery school in Widnes, Cheshire.
“It’s the first time we’ve been able to celebrate as a school properly since before the pandemic and the atmosphere has been immense. To be able to do something like this without the restrictions has been great – it’s been a real community event.”
On 4 June, Knowsley in Merseyside will hold a street parade, Kings, Queens and Mr Lear, as part of Knowsley’s Borough of Culture celebrations. The parade will feature dancers, drummers and large-scale puppets, as well as contributions from students at local schools.
Deborah Collins, 54, a Knowsley resident who has been helping to organise the parade, said: “It’s nice to be involved in the community spirit and see everyone, from the vicar to the schools and local artists, pulling together to celebrate the Queen.
“There are so many elements of the community coming together to make the parade, and because this is the first big event we’ve had since the pandemic, it makes it extra special. It’s been lovely.”
The LGA chairman, James Jamieson, said: “Councils are pulling out all the stops to help their communities celebrate a historic day for our country.
“After two tough years at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we hope that this time will allow people to raise a toast and celebrate with their loved ones and neighbours.”