Street parties are an excellent way to bring the community together.
In my road, we have been having street parties for most years since 2016. The Covid pandemic meant a break but other than that the party has become an annual fixture.
The last two have coincided with royal events: the Coronation last year and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee the year before. But our road is not particularly royal as a rule.
Street parties can happen at any time for any or no reason.
The street party means shutting off the street for part of the day, some may call it reclaiming the road from the motorist!
Then the tables come out, with residents providing the food and drink. There can be music. In our road, there are wannabe DJs and also some talented musicians. Last year, a rock band played, other years singers and instrumentalists played a series of songs.
We are lucky to have some excellent musicians.
The days have always been great fun, bringing people together. Just to chat and celebrate. Now people on the street know their neighbours better.
The network of communication has been enhanced with a WhatsApp group, which was particularly useful during Covid. Now, in the main people exchange goods via this channel and just stay in touch.
But it has been fascinating to see the community spirit grow since the first street party.
Not everyone on the road takes part, so the challenge going forward must be to increase the number of people getting involved.
In these modern days, it is crucial to build community and bring people out from behind their doors to get to know each other. And, what better way than a street party in the sun - sometimes we've had rain, which puts a dampener on things but the party still goes on, just under umbrellas and in people's houses.
Our next street party is in September, all are awaiting with eager anticipation and fingers crossed for the weather.
Why not try a street party, where you live, it'll be great fun.
- Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).
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