Platinum Jubilee street parties in Sutton

The last two years have been tough for everyone. I know we're all hoping for better days in the Spring and Summer, with opportunities to spend more time with our family, friends and neighbours.

So I'm really looking forward to the four day bank holiday weekend at the beginning of June to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - celebrating her 70 years of service to our country. It's a remarkable occasion for a remarkable lady and a truly historic milestone.

We're all being encouraged to think about ways we will celebrate the occasion and lots of people have contacted me about street parties they are planning for the summer. As a council, we want to encourage as many people as possible to plan ahead for this very special long weekend and we will be publishing more information shortly about how to apply for street parties and neighbourhood events. 

I've already announced that Sutton Council won't be charging for temporary road closures for street parties and we will be publishing guidance to help you ensure that your event runs smoothly. The Covid pandemic has made us value even more the power of strong communities and neighbourliness in bringing people together, helping people who need more support and building strong links with our neighbours. We are all connected and I think we appreciate more than ever how much we depend on those connections. Spending time with neighbours and friends is good for all of us.

So whether you prefer jelly and trifle, spring rolls and bhajis or blinis and crostini - or maybe some of each - let's start talking to our neighbours about organising a party in our road to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and to enjoy what I hope will be the start of a wonderful summer.

Councillor Ruth Dombey