With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the horizon, councils have given permission for street parties to be held, also waiving the legal fee required to close roads for social gatherings. With over 50,000 applications for road closures, the Diamond Jubilee will see as many, if not more, residents celebrating this momentous event than the wedding of Prince William to Katherine Middleton in April 2010.
With summer on the way, street parties are already being planned and highly anticipated. Nothing like dusting off the open-toed shoes, shorts and t-shirt, summer umbrellas and cooler boxes for some decent relax time when celebrating and enjoying the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. London estate agents may find themselves with their hands full as people start looking for apartments in popular streets known for their vibey street parties.
The consensus is the three million people will be out and about at street parties this year on 3 and 4 June 2012, which is a bank holiday. With William and Kate’s wedding reviving a spark of celebration, councils have seen a surge in applications for street closures.
Chris Gittins, director of Streets Alive, a street party organiser, predicts this year will be huge for street parties since the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. Street parties are a British tradition that has always raised the spirits of loyal subjects to Queen and country, but their resurrection couldn’t have come at a better time for the country to celebrate everywhere. Even expats will host their own celebrations wherever they’re living in the world, and Buckingham Palace is jovially backing the community gathering.
Not leaving anyone out, Buckingham Palace officials have backed the Big Lunch Scheme on 3 June 2012, which encourages neighbours and communities to share one massive lunch. The concept is purely for community growth and strength. It’s a great idea in bringing warring neighbours and neighbourhoods together to celebrate and honour a lady who is clearly a firm favourite throughout, not only England but also the world.
Queen Elizabeth, the second longest reigning monarch in over 1,000 years, has reigned for 59 years and 95 days. As much as the monarch has weathered her fair share of public vitriol, Queen Elizabeth II has always stood firm in her decisions. Endearing herself to the masses through empathy and sympathy, Elizabeth has slowly opened up to show the world there is a caring mother, grandmother and person behind the great walls of Buckingham Palace. This is a regal and legendary lady who cares deeply for her family, people and country.
Everyone from Brighton to Marylebone homes, and perhaps some expats flying home for the celebrations, will have an extraordinary lady to honour at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.