If you're thinking of holding a street party we've put together some helpful tips to make sure your event runs smoothly.
1. I am interested in holding a street party, what should I do first?
Before you start to plan a street party, please consider any neighbours that may not want to join in the party or may require 24 hour access to their property and organise it to meet everyone's needs. Please distribute leaflets or visit all your neighbours to get their thoughts on the times and content of your party. In some places it is worth contacting your local community police officer for their support and advice.
Contact Greater Manchester Police.
2. How do we apply to close our road or street for a street party?
To avoid disappointment, please contact the Highways team as soon as possible (see useful contacts).
3. How long can we close a road for?
A road can only be closed for the duration of the street party. Closure times may also depend on the type of street or road you are holding it on and whether any neighbours have any specific requirements. The Highways team can answer your specific question in more detail (see useful contacts).
4. Do I need barriers for a road closure?
Yes, you will be required to temporarily block the road to traffic for the duration of your party. Please take into account your neighbours' comments about the times the road is closed for. You also need to check whether an emergency vehicle could reach one of the houses in your street if it was required.
5. Can we put up bunting along our street?
Temporary paper and fabric bunting can be fixed to street furniture, for example between lamp posts or fencing. If it goes across the road though, please check that there would be space for an emergency vehicle to get under the bunting without causing an obstruction. You must ensure any bunting is removed after the event.
6. Do we need a licence for a street party?
Providing your street party is free and open to neighbours, family and friends and there is no sale of food or alcohol then you do not need a licence. If you are a commercial business, pub, club or other venue selling tickets, alcohol or food you will require licencses in the normal way. Please email licensing@salford.gov.uk.
7. Can we have an outdoor PA/music system at our party?
Yes you can have a PA system at your street party, but please consider any neighbours that may not want to join in the party. Do not have the volume or levels of bass too high - you should not be able to hear noise from the PA system inside nearby properties.
Think carefully about the direction of the speakers and point them away from residential properties as much as you can. If possible, it is better to have the speakers higher than head height and pointing downwards into the crowd so that the sound is focused towards the crowd and the volumes can be kept to a reasonable level (but please think how to do this safely if you attempt this as you don't want the speakers to fall and hurt any of your guests).
8. How do I know if the music is too loud?
Be aware of the surroundings of the party, especially residential properties. The music should be inaudible inside nearby properties. Also remember that the bass elements of music travel furthest so you should keep bass to a minimum as well as controlling the volume of the music generally.
A responsible member of the party should regularly patrol the perimeter of the party to ensure that music is not too loud. It is also advisable to give out a contact telephone number for the party organiser, so people who are not at the party can call them if they feel they are being are disturbed.
9. Can we collect money at our street party?
If you are fundraising to pay for the party amongst your neighbours and friends, or for a charity related to the street party, you will not require a licence. However if you are charging an entrance fee, selling food and drink or organising a raffle or tombola giving alcohol as prizes you may require a licence. Please email licensing@salford.gov.uk.
If you are raising funds make sure you let your neighbours know how much you raise and record how you donated the funds to the charity or spent the money on party items.
10. Can we sell food at our street party?
If you sell food on any street in Salford you will need to have a street trading licence issued in Salford. Please contact the Licensing team for more details.
If you are serving lots of high risk food, such as fresh cream or cold meats, it may be helpful to complete a Basic Food and Hygiene course before the event. For more specific information about your food questions, please contact the Environmental Health team (see useful contacts).
11. Can we have a bonfire at our street party?
It is illegal to light a bonfire on waste ground, pavements, roadways or highways. If you do this you could be fined or given a custodial sentence.
12. What if I have been given permission to light a bonfire on private land?
If you have permission to light a bonfire on privately owned land, you will need to follow the guidelines below:
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service website contains a wealth of information to help people organise events safely.
Yes, you can let fireworks off but any displays must be finished by 11.00pm to comply with regulations.
Please buy your fireworks from a reputable supplier. Always follow the safety instructions printed on your fireworks, for example ensuring you have the correct safety distances recommended for lighting fireworks. Please be considerate to local wildlife and your neighbour's pets.
14. What should we do after our street party?
Following your street party, why not get a team of your neighbours together to have a clear up. Please be considerate and make sure any litter, tables, bunting etc is tidied away after your event.
We hope you have a safe and happy street party.
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This page was last updated on 1 November 2022