Villagers on the Shotley peninsula looking to mark the celebration of His Majesty The King's Coronation, wit street parties have been handed a boost.

Suffolk County Council has waived fees associated with applications to close roads for street parties and other local authority led public events.  

Charles III's coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday 6 May, where the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort. This is the first coronation of a monarch in the UK since the late Queen's ceremony which was staged on June 2, 1953. 

Events will be taking place across the country, between 6 and 8 May 2023. This bank holiday gives communities and people throughout the UK the opportunity to come together and celebrate with their neighbours.

Many of Suffolk's residents will also be giving up their time as volunteers to bring people together as part of The Big Help Out. For all events planned over the weekend, which is being referred to as The Coronation Big Lunch, Suffolk County Council will not be charging fees normally associated with road closures for events.

Similarly, to the late Queens Platinum Jubilee, if you are looking to organise a street party as a group of residents, or if you would like to apply as a local authority, for an event in a large public space, such as a park, you can view more information at www.suffolk.gov.uk/Kings-coronation

As part of the main criteria for a road to be closed, the road must be residential and not on A or B roads and/or those roads which have a bus route operating during the proposed event.

To be allocated Traffic Management to assist organisers/residents with an event, all applications must be received before 11pm on Sunday 2 April 2023. Traffic management will consist of 4 traffic cones, 1 road closure sign, which may be collected from a local highway depot. An online booking system will be shared with those successful applications.  

If any applications are received after 11pm on Sunday 2nd April 2023, these may still be processed. However, Suffolk County Council cannot cover the costs of Traffic Management for the event, nor will Suffolk County Council be able to provide any form of Traffic Management equipment. This is due to possible supply chain constraints and other operational demands.

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: "We want to encourage communities across Suffolk to celebrate this momentous event and I am delighted that we have been able to waive fees for all events happening between 6 and 8 May, allowing communities to come together across Suffolk, whether it be a small gathering in a local street, or a larger event, organised by town or parish councils.  

"I look forward to seeing such events take place and encourage as many as possible to get involved in the celebrations."

For full details, including street party event criteria, information on insurance and licences, please ensure you visit this link www.suffolk.gov.uk/Kings-coronation

If you have any queries, please contact Suffolk County Council's Customer Services team on 0345 606 6171 or email [email protected]

Meanwhile, the Big Help Out is a national day of volunteering happening on the final day of permitted road closures.

Many the county's residents will be holding Big Lunches and other street events. The day will provide an opportunity to and showcase the impact of volunteering within our county's communities in recognition on the legacy of His Majesty's service. People across the UK will be able to get involved and more detail is available on The Big Help Out website.