Organising a small street party for residents and neighbours does not need a licence and you do not need a formal risk assessment.
But you should make sure it's safe by thinking about some of the risks that might crop up and how to sensibly manage them.
The government website guidance sets out what you need to think about if you want to organise a street party.
The Street Party and The Big Lunch websites also have some helpful tips, advice, and support for organising a successful event.
- Your guide to organising a street party - gov.uk website
- The Street Party website
- The Big Lunch website
Here are some of the most common hazards at street parties together with ways you can make sure no one gets hurt.
If you need more detailed advice and guidance on health and safety issues, you can visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.
Things to think about
Road closures
Should you need to request temporary road closures, you must complete an Events Notification Form so that emergency services are aware.
If your event is being run on a larger scale and involves the selling of alcohol, presence of ice-cream van / hot food van etc, staging, generators etc then a formal risk assessment may be required and in addition to an Event Notification Form.
Communication
Make sure everyone who may be affected by the event knows what is planned and is happy with it, e.g. date and duration of the event, any road closures, increased noise etc
Traffic and vehicles
Closing your road may be the best way to prevent traffic. Think about other neighbours’ and let them know early about the event so they can move their car before the event if they need to. The Street Party site explains how to apply for a road closure.
Bouncy Castles
Only hire from a reputable company and make sure it is inflated, anchored, and used according to their advice. Make sure that test and insurance certificates are current. A responsible person should be always in charge and they should have enough helpers. Don’t allow it to become overcrowded. If it gets windy, you may need to take it down.
Barbecues
The biggest risk with barbecues is that people may be pushed against them in crowded conditions. Consider using a table between crowds and the barbecue and make sure a responsible adult is in charge. Remember to keep barbecues away from flammable or explosive articles such as canvas awnings and gas cylinders
Electrics
Use safe equipment that isn’t damaged. Extension cables shouldn’t run across the road or pavement where they can be tripped over or damaged. If you can’t avoid this, you should protect the cables using purpose-made rubber strips. You can normally buy these in most large DIY shops. Electrical equipment used outside should be protected by an RCD (circuit breaker) suitable for outdoor use. RCDs are cheap to buy and can be found in most DIY shops.
Ladders
If you are using ladders or stepladders to put up bunting, flags, or other decorations, make sure the ladder is in a safe condition, that the ground is firm, level, and not slippery. Ask someone to foot the ladder to keep it steady. Don’t overreach sideways – move the ladder if necessary and don’t carry heavy or awkward objects up the ladder.
Fire
If there is a fire make sure the Fire Brigade is called immediately and get people away from the area. Remember, you will need to move barriers to let the fire engines into your street. Only try to fight the fire yourself if it is small and you can do so without increasing the risk to yourself or others. If gas cylinders are involved do not throw water over them. Tell the Fire Brigade the number and location of the cylinders. If the fire is near to homes where you know somebody is in, alert them to the fire if it is safe to do so.
Trips and Slips
Ensure that all trip hazards (such as cables, ropes, etc) have been removed as far as possible.
Sharp Objects
Make sure there are no sharp projections on which somebody, including small children, may hurt themselves.
Contact
If you need further help please email the events team: