East Belfast Community Development Agency

Many people in East Belfast associate royal weddings with street parties. With the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton later this month, many communities are deciding to follow the tradition in 2011. However, some community activists also see the benefit of street parties beyond royal events. Last summer East Belfast resident Jenny Simon organised a party on her street. She shared her experience with us:

Why did you decide you wanted to try and organize a street party in your area?

I had got to know a number of young families from my end of the street, we had good relationships and I thought it would be really good for us and other people if that was extended. I've enjoyed living in a street where I can have a chat to folk when I am going to my car or can ask someone for help if I had a small problem, I also want to be there for other people in my neighborhood. I also believe that if you are going to live in an area long term, it makes sense to contribute to that area. The only way to change things is to be involved.

How were you able to encourage your neighbours to come along?

I started out by dropping a letter through every person’s door, outlining my hope for a street party and asking if anyone would be interested in giving me feedback or being part of the organizing committee. I spoke to a few people in the street to encourage them to come along to the first meeting, only a few turned up but as time went on more people got involved. A month before the party a few of us went door to door and chatted to the neighbours about the party, I think this helped to encourage folk to come.

One of the best parts of organising the party was the night we got together to make bunting, there were about eight women, we worked till nearly midnight cutting up and sewing 50 metres of bunting, it was the best nights fun, great stories. I never thought I would see something like that happen, it really brought us together.

What sort of activities were arranged?

Everyone brought food for a tea party, there was a bouncy castle, musical chairs, giant Jenga, street Bingo, a Pinata, music, a visit from local firemen, tug of war, barbeque (though I don't know if this is above board!?) it went on from three till about ten.

Do you have any tips/advice you would give to anyone who wanted to arrange something similar in their own area?

• Give everyone an opportunity to be involved if they want from the start.
• Don't be discouraged if you don't get a lot of support at first.
• Don't be put off by money, we ran ours on practically nothing, people lent and donated.
• Good old fashioned simple fun and games goes down well with all ages.
• You need to arrange road closure but this is not a problem if your party is not during the marching season.
• Delegate as much as possible, try to let others take the jobs on so that you can concentrate on overseeing!
• Gather a few gazebos together for unpredictable weather but don't be put off by rain, it usually passes within an hour or two so it's good to be flexible.
• Make sure you go up to each person as they arrive and speak to them, it will take a lot for some people to have the confidence to come along and it is so important for them to feel at ease straight away or they will just go home.

For assistance in securing funding support for street parties or related community activities, contact Jonny Currie, Community Support Manager, on 90 451512 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .