Little in life is free, but a Street Party might be as the County Council won’t be charging for those held for the Royal Wedding on the 29th April.

A street party is categorised as an event that is:

• a small private event for residents of one or two streets
• publicised only to local residents
• does not normally require licences if music is incidental and no selling is involved
• organised by residents rather than professional organisers

If you would like to hold a street party or fete on the royal wedding day, download and fill in the simple application form at
www.hertsdirect.org/royalstreetparty to let the county council know your plans.

All applications need to be received by April 4 2011.

If you want to celebrate on any other day, you will need to contact www.stalbans.gov.uk for permission.  Likewise, if you would like to organise a larger event, where alcohol is being sold for instance, please contact St Albans City & District Council.

More information on street parties, including insurance, can be found on the Streets Alive website: www.streetparty.org.uk. The Big Lunch website: www.thebiglunch.com also contains useful information for planning a street party.