Bromley gets ready to party for the Diamond Jubilee (From News Shopper)

Bromley gets ready to party for the Diamond Jubilee

8:00am Friday 17th February 2012 in News

As the Queen's Diamond Jubilee approaches, not only are families starting to organise street parties but Her Majesty herself is paying a visit to Bromley. DAVID MILLS and RACHAEL HESNO report.

AN extra long weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June is set to see a soar in applications for street parties.

So far Bromley Council has received 12 applications for parties and anticipate more to come.

Last year 67 street parties took place across the borough to celebrate the royal wedding of Kate and William.

As reported in News Shopper last week, the Queen will be paying a visit to Bromley on May 15 as part of the royal celebrations for the first time since 1986.

Maria Thurston, who held an event last year in Elmhurst Road, Mottingham, said: "We are planning on having a big street party this year. We want to have one similar to the one we had last year for the royal wedding, where we had around 250 people turn up.

"We plan to hold ours on the Saturday. Everybody has been asking us about it, we need permission from the council so we’re going to send off our application as soon as possible."

The Diamond Jubilee events from June 2 to 5 will mark the Queen’s 60 year reign and is expected to become one of the highlights of the year.

All street parties need council approval in case road closures are necessary.

Organisers are not required to have public liability insurance cover for the event but it is strongly recommended by the council.

They must ensure they have warning signs and flashing lamps at each vehicle access point and are able to easily remove tables, chairs and other temporary objects to allow access for emergency vehicles.

Banners and bunting hanging across the road must also be secured at a height of at least seven metres.

Portfolio holder for environment Councillor Colin Smith said: "We are very keen to help residents celebrate this great historic event, so if you are thinking of getting together with friends and neighbours to hold a party in your own street, please do let us know."

For more information call 020 8313 4621 or visit bromley.gov.uk

WHERE SHOULD THE QUEEN VISIT?

So far it is not known where the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will visit when they come to the borough.

The last time Her Majesty visited was in 1986 to open the Bromley Civic Centre and visit Crystal Palace during her Golden Jubilee celebrations.

We asked our readers for suggestions on where she should visit this time around.

Alan Oakley, who was born on the day the Queen ascended to the throne, said: "As this is the year of the London Olympics, perhaps she could go to Crystal Palace and meet the athletes."

The 60-year-old Beckenham resident said: "Alternatively, she could come to Kelsey Park. There ought to be a nice display of colour in the herbaceous borders in May."

Spitfire pilot Rodney Scrase, aged 90, suggested a visit to Biggin Hill, where he served in 1942, but also to Primark in Bromley High Street - the birthplace of author HG Wells.

Where in Bromley do you think the Queen should visit? Leave your suggestions below.