Minister hails Bristol as the street party capital
Andrew Stunell has hailed Bristol the street party capital of England as a host of community events are held throughout the city.
This weekend鈥檚 street parties will bring the total held in Bristol this year to more than 120, involving over 10,000 people - more than in any year since 1977.
In the past, people trying to organise a small event may have encountered a host of obstacles, including high costs, a multitude of forms and guidelines. Last month Communities Secretary Eric Pickles made it much easier and there is now simple guidance and one straightforward form to fill in.
Mr Stunell said:
鈥淭丑别 people of Bristol are clearly converts to the positive impact a street party can have on an area giving opportunities to collaborate and increasing the community spirit - not to mention how much fun they are.
鈥淏ristol has shown that it鈥檚 a trailblazer in this area. But there鈥檚 no reason other cities can鈥檛 follow Bristol鈥檚 lead. Street parties don鈥檛 cost councils anything but can help create the strong communities that benefit everyone.
鈥淭丑别 guidance and simple form we鈥檙e encouraging people to use makes it easier than ever for councils and organisers to make parties happen.鈥�
Pioneering
, a group that promotes street parties as a way of engaging with local communities, helped facilitate some of this weekend鈥檚 events, though residents themselves coordinated and funded them.
Bristol City Council鈥檚 pioneering efforts to make the process as simple as possible have paid off, with the number of street parties in the city growing each year.
Jon Rogers, Cabinet Member for Care and Health at , said:
鈥淪treet parties are an important part of what makes Bristol great.聽We have cut back on red tape, kept costs down and do all we can to encourage communities to come together in a spirit of celebration. I am not surprised Bristol is leading the country.鈥�