For best results, get people in your community to help

Whether you’re planning a street party or a community festival, you’ll want to ensure there’s plenty of food and drink to go around, and entertainment will need to be arranged. But don’t be put off by the challenge. You’ll be surprised at the options available when you enlist the help of friends and neighbours. Organising a local event will be easier and more rewarding if you can delegate and divide up the work between you.  

Informing Camden Council

You won’t need to inform the Council if you’re planning a small get together with just a few neighbours. However, for a full street party the road will need to be closed to traffic. You will need to make an application 4 to 12 weeks in advance and get permission. The Council charge a fee for closing the street which will need to be paid before the event happens. 

See this page on when you need to inform the Council and when licences are necessary.

How to organise a street party or a festival

Firstly, you’ll need to decide on the type of event you have in mind: is it to be just a small gathering with a few neighbours, or an event on a larger scale? If you’re planning a community festival, will you apply to use a public park or green space?

Finding information on Camden Council’s website

The Council’s website is fairly user-friendly. But to make life even easier we have selected links to the relevant information:

Put on an event in Camden

The Camden Events Service

Hold an event in a park

Community festivals

Arts events

Covid-19 notices

If lockdown restrictions still apply, get in touch with Camden Events Team at the Camden Events Advice clinic.

Funding your Camden event

There are a variety of costs involved in organising a street party or festival. Available financial support has been contracting due to budget cuts, but there are still opportunities to get help with these costs:

• Council fees
• Street closure
• Licensing
• General costs
• Entertainment
• Food and drink
• Children’s activities

There are various ways to fundraise for a community festival. The strategy you take should support your specific type of event and situation.

Checklist

• What type of event do you have in mind?
• What size should the event be?
• Can any local people collaborate with you to organise this event?
• Do you need permission from Camden Council?
• Do you need the street closed?
• Do you need to apply for any licences?
• Is there funding available?
• Can you crowdsource or cover additional costs?
• What should happen after the event?
• Cleaning up