RESIDENTS are being urged to get their party hats on after Swindon Council revealed they have only received 12 applications for street parties to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

The closing date for applications to hold Jubilee parties is May 7, but the council is hopeful it will see a surge in interest as the big day draws closer.

Officers are urging residents who want to throw their own parties to mark the Queen’s 60 years on the throne to get their applications in as soon as possible so they can be authorised in time.

Residents of Sedgebrook, in Liden, are all set to celebrate in style after they were named as one of the 12 streets preparing to close for the occassion.

Tracy Barker, 44, a procurement specialist, is helping to organise the festivities on June 3, which were inspired by a similar successful event last year for the marriage of the Duke and Duchess Cambridge.

She said: “It all started with a text from my friend Diane last year who said, ‘shall we do something for the Royal Wedding?’.

“Mary, a great grandmother, made 90 metres of bunting, Wendy organised some fantastic games and everyone pitched in with the food.

“We had such a brilliant party we wanted to do it all over again.

“More than 80 people came last year – neighbours, extended family and friends – and more than 100 have signed up this time.

“We’ve been having monthly meetings so you get to know your neighbours properly.

“It’s brought our little community really close together. Everyone has certain skills and trade contacts, so it doesn’t cost much.

“We’re having fancy dress on a royal theme with my daughter Emily doing face painting for kids, old-fashioned street races, finger food in the day and a barbecue at night. It’s going to be a Jubilee to remember – all we need now is good weather.”

Gwillam Lloyd, Swindon Council head of highways and transport, said: “We are making it as simple as possible for people to hold street parties.

“So far we’ve received 12 applications for street closures, for which there is no charge, and they have all been approved. This figure compares favourably with larger cities in the country, for example Bristol has 25 applications to date.

“There is still time for people to plan a party. Street closures may not be necessary for parties and many celebrations were held without them for the Royal Wedding. The same is likely to be the case for the Jubilee this year, although we welcome all formal requests. Many residents who held street parties last year are repeating the occasion because it was so enjoyable.”

Both Swindon South MP Robert Buckland and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson are urging residents to throw their own parties this year.

Mr Tomlinson said: “Last year we saw some fantastic street parties for William and Kate’s wedding and I really hope the people of Swindon take this opportunity.

“A lot of people were a bit unsure about how they would work last year but I visited a lot of them and everyone seemed to realise how good they were and I am sure more people will apply this year, but we British like to organise things at the last minute.”

Mr Buckland said: “We are not likely to have another Jubilee in our lifetime so I hope everyone in Swindon makes it a memorable day. Hopefully more people will come forward and we will see more parties to mark this unique celebration.”

For more information and to apply visit www.swindon.gov.uk/streetparties or call 01793 466380.