King Charles coronation: What are the rules for hosting a street party and is there a deadline?

The countdown begins as the King's coronation is set to kick off in just a few weeks - with many Britons hoping to celebrate over the additional bank holiday dates.

Preparations are underway for the big day as people across the country make plans to host parties, activities and events for the special celebrations.

King Charles III and the Queen Consort will be taking centre stage as the country marks the presence of a new monarch.

The coronation will see people from across the nation and worldwide watching in the comfort of their own homes- but many will be on the streets with family, friends and neighbours to mark the occasion.

Want to join a street party or maybe even host one? Here's everything you need to know.

Is there a deadline for hosting a street party?

This depends on where you live and the deadlines set by your local authorities.

Organisers can apply through their local council to host a street event.

If you're looking to host a party with road closures, the best way to do this would be to get in touch with your local council at least six weeks in advance.

However, deadlines are speedily approaching for many areas across the UK, so be sure to throw your party hat into the ring sooner rather than later.

If you want to find your council’s requirements, you can now enter your postcode on the government website for more information.

Want to host your own street party? Here's how you can do it

Hosting your own party is not as hard as you might think.

The government website states that in order to host a party for residents and neighbours - meaning a small-sized gathering - you do not need a license.

But a small application to your local council may be required.

There is no right or wrong way to host a party, but it’s always good to plan ahead!

Make sure you plan early and get your family, friends and local residents involved to make the process smoother.

If you’re looking to close the roads down, it’s best to keep in contact with the council’s highways, licensing, events or communities team.

The official coronation website is offering people a toolkit to help with hosting a street party.

There is a list of activities that people can do in the kit, and includes printable materials and templates for kids, recipes and playlists, bunting, and lastly, coronation emblem and planning packs.

What are the rules for hosting a street party?

This depends on your local council and the rules in the area.

If you are hosting a small party, the government website states that there are a few myths regarding hosting.

The myths stated are: needing a licence, the law around road closures and council sign-offs, the law requiring a fee to be charged for road closures, the need for expensive insurance and licensing on food.

Organisers can find out more about the rules in their area by checking their local council's website and contacting the council authorities if they are unsure.

However, if you are having a party on a larger scale, the government website states that there are certain rules that apply.

Other events in public spaces, that anyone can attend, which are being hosted by professional organisers - must have insurance and a licence is usually needed.

Read more:
King Charles's coronation will be an occasion for 'celebration and pageantry'
Duke and Duchess of Sussex receive official invite to coronation

Will there be a party in my area?

Coronation celebrations can be found and added to the official interactive map.

The map highlights events, activities and celebrations that will take place across the UK.

People can use the map to explore the events happening in their area in the run-up to, and over, the coronation weekend.

"The coronation is a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate, and there's lots of different ways to get involved, including street parties and Coronation Big Lunches, which will be taking place across the bank holiday weekend," the official coronation website reads.

So far, there are 71 public events and 58 street parties or private events shared so far on the coronation interactive map.

Here is a list of some of the places hosting public events:

  • The Big Coronation Lunch in East Preston

  • The Darlington Coronation Celebration

  • Warrington Coronation Weekend

  • Zeals Coronation Lunch

You can find more on the map.

What is happening on the coronation weekend?

The big day is steadily approaching, as people around the world prepare to witness the crowning of King Charles III.

The ceremony will be taking place at Westminster Abbey, London - this has been the place for crowning and hosting ceremonies for the last 900 years.

These are the confirmed events that will be taking place over the coronation weekend:

Saturday 6 May - The Coronation Day

6-8 May - There will be Coronation Big Lunches across the country and the Commonwealth

Sunday 7 May - The Coronation Concert will be held at Windsor Castle

Monday 8 May - Bank Holiday across the nation

From past to the present

In the lead-up to the coronation, let's take a look back at Queen Elizabeth II and her coronation day.