Her Majesty The Queen, Jubilee celebrations

Preparations are underway for the country to celebrate the 70th anniversary for Her Majesty the Queen who has ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history.

Additional bank holidays have been granted, with events expected to be held between the 2 and 6 June 2022. This is an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate such a significant occasion.

Cheshire West and Chester Council are expecting to see a demand for community events and are now accepting event requests to hold street parties, put up bunting and beacons of light. The Council has produced an application form for groups that want to hold their own events, email:

artswest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “I am sure there will be a lot of communities keen to run their own street parties. To help simplify the requests, the event application form asks for specific information for a typical event. If communities wish to hold a significantly different type of event, these can be picked up through the normal event application process. 

“If a community wants to run an event but they don’t have the experience to plan an event, please contact us. We are in touch with the Cheshire West Voluntary Action who may be able to identify a person locally who can help.” 

In line with planning for outdoor events, where a public road or park is used, the Council will require an application request and a minimum of £1m public liability insurance (online prices start from £59 depending on the complexity of the event). 

If the community event requires a road to be closed, the Council will waive the legal fee for the closure order. In all cases where a road closure is required, the organiser will need to discuss the area to be used for the event and the Council will agree the method that the road is to be closed. If there are no locally trained people, the organisers may be required to contract and cover the costs for traffic management to deliver the road closure and signage. 

As part of the approval process and to meet the requirements of legal orders and traffic signage, the deadline for bunting requests is Friday 15 April and the deadline for street party and beacon applications is Friday 22 April. 

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and approved where the time scales and requirements have been met. It is important that communities work to the cut off dates so that the Council has the appropriate time to consider and grant the events.

Added Councillor Gittins: “It’s with great pride that Chester has been chosen as one of twelve Queen’s Green Canopy Champion Cities. We started our celebrations with the planting of a Jubilee Tree as a part of a borough-wide contribution to the Queen’s Green Canopy, a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. A further 360 trees were planted at the Countess of Chester Community Park by over 40 volunteers. 

“In addition to street parties, tree planting and beacons, more activities will be shared including exhibitions and a Jubilee film.”

Street parties

When a road closure is in place it means that there is no vehicle access through the site, even if a person lives on the road.  The cost of a traffic management company must be covered by the organiser/organising committee.

The recommendation is, if it is possible, aim to hold a street party off the road in a car park, village green or other space. This is more cost effective and causes less disruption.

Bunting

Cheshire West and Chester Council are happy for communities to request bunting as part of their celebration planning in line with the current legislation.

Communities must be aware that to string or place bunting over, along or in the highway is unlawful without having first obtained the consent of the highway authority under the Highway Act 1980, section 178.

Beacon of Light

The lighting of a Beacon is a key part of a Jubilee celebration. The National Beacon lighting across the UK will take place on Thursday 2 June at Sunset.

There are four types of Beacon that can be considered. These carry a range of risks which must be considered. The location of the beacon and the numbers of people attending is a key consideration. While some beacons are on private property you do need to consider safety and management arrangements if a number of people are likely to attend. For more information view: https://www.lordlieutenantmoray.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-Queens-Platinum-Jubilee-Beacons-Guide-1.pdf

Bonfire

Having a suitable location to gather and hold the event is the first consideration. Ensure there is a significant distance from the bonfire to any properties or areas which could catch fire. Consider safety distances for windy conditions or where it may not be safe if the wind is very strong. This type of event requires greater project management and staff to manage safety.

Traditional Beacon.

If holding a gathering, consider where an audience will stand. Ensure this is not on an open road. If this is the only option, you would need to consider a road closure.

If a community would like to install a permanent beacon, this does require planning permission. This could be done after the event but if this is the wish, you need to make contact at the earliest opportunity.

Temporary Gas Beacon

For this type of beacon, the aim should be to have a location that is suitable for the flame and any audience. This is a lower risk as there is greater control of the flame.

Light Bulb Beacon

A new more environmental format of a beacon. These are the safest type of beacon. If attracting an audience, ensure the viewing area is away from open roads.

Pictured - Royal visit to Chester 2018.