The Queen's Platinum Jubilee

To commemorate Her Majesty's landmark 70 years of service, families in Hillingdon are being encouraged to celebrate by holding street parties with their neighbours, on Sunday 5 June. Hillingdon Council will help people get their event off with a swing by offering easy applications, free public liability insurance and road closures. 

To mark the joyous occasion, an extended bank holiday will take place from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June. Across the four days the national celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen's 70 years of service.   

Central to the festivities though, will be swathes of gatherings in local roads as neighbours across Hillingdon come together to mark the historic achievement. 

Cul-de-sacs, quiet roads that are not 'through roads', and roads not on bus routes are likely to be the easiest to arrange parties in but don't despair if your road can't be closed as the council may still be able to assist by suggesting an alternative open or green space nearby to host your event.  

Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Families, Education and Wellbeing, said: "It is an honour and a privilege for the council to help our residents celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's momentous achievement and want it to be as simple as possible for them to get into the 'jubilee spirit'. 

"Street parties are a fantastic way not only to celebrate, but to get to know your neighbours and more given the stresses of the past two years - this is a perfect chance for the borough to let its collective hair down and enjoy the moment." 

The deadline for street closure applications is the 31 March 2022. Online forms can be found on the council's website and if you need any more details before applying email streetparties@hillingdon.gov.uk or call 01895 556640 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. 

This year, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, 70 years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952. 

At the end of the Second World War in 1945, Hillingdon residents like those in many other parts of the country, took to the streets to celebrate, throwing big potluck luncheons. After years of city bombings, blackouts, and intense rationing, Britain was ready to throw a party. 

More recent street parties include celebrations to mark the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Her Majesty's 90th birthday and the Diamond Jubilee.