WITH just three weeks to go to the Royal Wedding, people across the district are bringing out their bunting and preparing to throw street parties.

According to the county council, 13 neighbourhoods have applied to close their roads off for a party, with dozens more expected to hold smaller-scale gatherings.

Mother-of-two Sarah Wells, 35, is organising a party on a green near her home in Greensted Road, Loughton for residents and their families.

She got together a group of about 15 neighbours who want to help with the party and has given them jobs such as running a quiz and organising games.

“We held a meeting on Thursday March 10, where we went about sharing our ideas,” she said. “It was lovely to see neighbours meet for the first time and start up their own conversations about life on the street.

“It’s a very family-strong street. People are still living in the houses they were brought up in.

“It’s a great feeling being part of a community and bringing all members of it together.”

The party will be held on a strip of land at the back of the houses on the street, so the organisers were told they would not need permission from the council to close the road.

“It’s going to be pretty informal and everyone can bring their own food, but we’re going to have a children’s area with face-painting,” Mrs Wells said.

“We’re encouraging everyone to bring family games and we’re having a scavenger hunt, where people have to find things in their houses.

“We’re also producing a template for bunting so everybody in the family can decorate a piece of bunting.”

The deadline for applying to the council for a street closure has now passed.

Picnics are allowed in Epping Forest, although barbecues and tents are banned and anyone planning a large gathering should call the wardens on 020 8532 1010 first.

Tips on organising a street party can be found on the website www.streetparty.org.uk.