The London Borough of Harrow welcomes community events such as street parties. If you're holding a street party read the following. If necessary please complete an application form.
The advice is intended for small, self-organised events for residents and neighbours only. If you intend to provide entertainment, or sell to the wider public you may need a temporary event notice.
Closing a road
If you want to close a section of the public highway for your party, you will need to apply for a temporary road closure. You must apply at least six weeks before the event.
It is easier to arrange a party in cul-de-sacs and quiet roads, which are not traffic sensitive or on bus routes.
If your road cannot be closed, you could look at combining your party with another nearby street. Alternatively you could use a grassed area large enough to accommodate your party.
You will need to show that other residents in the street support the road closure. You will need to notify residents or businesses who will be affected by the road closure in writing.
As the organiser it's your responsibility to source the required road signs and traffic barriers. They are available from most tool hire shops. The council will provide a plan with details of where they should be positioned.
Emergency vehicle access
A clear passage for emergency vehicle access must be maintained during the road closure. It must be free from obstruction and 3 metres wide.
Apply for a street party road closure
First, please make sure that your application meets the requirements
You can then apply for a street party road closure:
Requirements to hold a street party
Consultation
You will need to show that a significant number of people want to have a street party, or event. If anyone objects, you will need to consider their views. You can do this by showing how the event's location and road closures are the least obstructive.
Insurance
You must have public liability insurance to the value of £5 million. A copy of the schedule of cover must be submitted to the council at least 2 weeks prior to the event taking place. Harrow Council is not responsible for any damage to property or injury to any person in connection with the street party. Public liability insurance usually costs about £50.
Risk assessment
While the council does not require an in-depth risk assessment. However, you will need to show that you have thought about how you can minimise things going wrong. This includes for example disruption due to bad weather.
Music, alcohol and food
You should discuss your event with the licensing team if you're having any of the following:
- alcohol
- food
- goods sales
- music
- dancing
- or similar entertainment
Street decorations
You must not attach anything to street furniture such as lampposts. Anything that does span the width of the road must be at a height of at least 3 metres. This is to prevent decorations obstructing emergency vehicles, should they be needed.
Barbecues, bonfires, and fireworks
Barbecues, bonfires or fireworks will not be allowed on the road, pavement or grass verges.
Tombola/raffle
It is unlikely that you would need permission to sell raffle tickets on the day. The prizes must be less than £500 in total.
If tickets are sold in advance of the event you should discuss it with the licensing team. Any profit from the tombola or raffle must go to a good cause. This can be a charity or even towards covering the cost of your party.
Cleaning and tidying
You will need to clean up after your street party and have an area set aside for rubbish bags and recycling.
Please let people know the time the party will finish in advance.