With the coronation of King Charles III taking place in May, many Devon communities will be planning a street party to celebrate.

After the success of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee street parties last year, groups of residents will be keen to hang out the bunting again for her successor.

The coronation will take place on the morning of Saturday, May 6 at Westminster Abbey, and will be followed by a Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday, May 7.

Across the country hundreds of street parties, fun days and galas will be taking place during that weekend. The Eden Project Communities organisation is encouraging people to bring their neighbours together during the coronation weekend for a ‘Big Lunch’, and is offering free tips, recipes and online resources to help people get their plans off the ground.

Anyone wanting to hold a street party will need to apply for a licence from Devon County Council. Applications can be made, free of charge, to close off minor residential streets and cul-de-sacs for community parties on Friday, May 5, Saturday 6 or Sunday 7. The event should be free of charge and for residents only, and organisers must let all neighbourhood businesses, residents and bus companies know about the party at least two weeks in advance. The applications will be considered on an individual basis.

For busier roads a Special Event Application is needed. These usually need three months’ notice and will only be approved if it’s practical; they may also incur a fee. 

Alternatively, residents can hold a ‘Street Meet’ – a party held on private land such as a drive, parking area or front garden. Organisers do not need to notify Devon County Council or apply for a licence to hold one, but should tell their neighbours and make sure they are happy with the arrangement.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “The coronation of a new monarch is a once in a generation event and we want communities to get together across Devon to celebrate. Street parties are very much part of our national identity and have been for more than 100 years, and we want communities to come together, celebrate with family and neighbours, make new friends, and have fun.”

More information on Eden Project Communities resources for a Big Lunch can be found here