How to host a street party fit for King Charles III’s coronation in Birmingham

The coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as king and queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms will be taking place in London, but communities can join celebrations across Birmingham as well.

The coronation ceremony will take place on Saturday May 6 at Westminster Abbey and the live action is due to be beamed through big screen in Centenary Square in Birmingham city centre with a full programme of live entertainment entertainment on the day and on Sunday May 7 being organised with the city council.

But, that’s not all because locals are also being encouraged to join the Big Lunch celebrations on Sunday in their own communities by hosting a street party. A host of memorable street parties were held across the city for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and it is hoped that more happy events will be held for this Royal occasion - so get the bunting out - here’s how to arrange your party.

Do I need a permit to host a street party for King Charles III coronation and how much does it cost if I do?

Whether you are looking to host a large or small event there are a few rules in place to help your party run as smoothly and happily as possible. One of the most important things to remember is that if you want to close a road for your celebration youy need to apply for a permit from Birmingham City Council.

Applications for The King’s Coronation must be submitted to the council by 21 April 2023. Please note, permission would not normally be granted on main roads or bus routes. Residents looking to close a road for a street party are also asked to discuss their planned event with their neighbours and any local businesses and ward councillors ahead of their application.

There is currently no fee for the road closure notice. However, the council has advised that any costs related to providing signs, barriers or diversions would need to be met by the party organisers.

But please remember, street parties are for residents and neighbours only, they should not be publicised to outside parties, just to people in the community. No other licences are needed - as long as music is incidental - and no selling is involved. There are no risk assements required.

Applications to close a road for a street party can be made via the council’s website here, and further information on what to do and guidelines can also be found on Birmingham City Council website. If it’s not possible for your road to be closed, you may look to hold your event in a park or leisure centre.

What Birmingham City Council do once your application is approved

If your application is successful, they will:

• let the emergency services know about the road closure
• write a legal order for you to display on the street before your event
• add your road closure details to our road closures directory
• give you advice on how to manage traffic, if needed
• provide terms and conditions for road closures

What Birmingham’s Lord Mayor said about the King Charles III celebrations in Birmingham?

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Maureen Cornish, said: “The King’s Coronation will be a fantastic opportunity for communities to come together, celebrate with their friends and neighbours on what will be a very special day across the country.

“I hope Birmingham will do itself proud by hosting some amazing street parties that are fit for our new King! This really is a time for people across the city to come together and celebrate.”