HUNDREDS of people in Nuneaton and Bedworth are preparing to take to the streets.
They are planning open air parties next weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Flags and bunting, jellies and blancmange and party hats will be the order of the day.
The borough council has received 14 applications for road closures in the two towns to mark the momentous event in the history of the nation.
Twelve are from residents in Nuneaton and two from the Bedworth area.
But many more parties are being planned by people throughout the borough.
They will be in cul-de-sacs, private gardens and open spaces.
The deadline for applications for road closures has now passed.
But a borough council spokesperson said: “We do know of other parties that are being planned for which people do not need to apply for road closures.”
Following the success of street parties for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton last year, the process for people planning one was again made easier.
Councillor Julie Jackson, cabinet member for central services at the Town Hall said: “Last year we simplified the application process for people wanting to throw their own party for the Royal Wedding.
“The feedback from that time was so positive that we made it just as straightforward for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.”
People simply had to fill in a single form and submit it to the Town Hall for approval.
Cllr Jackson said she sees the street parties as a way of strengthening community spirit across the borough.
She added: “Street parties are a great way to get to know your neighbours and to bring a real sense of community spirit to an area.
“It will be wonderful to see our streets coming alive during this Diamond Jubilee Year.”
The celebrations are taking place during the special Diamond Jubilee weekend which begins on Friday, June 1.
Parties are being planned on the Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
As well as street parties, celebrations will be taking place in church halls and parks and community centres, most of them on a bring-your-own picnic basis.
Monday, June 4 appears to be the busiest day for the borough to show its gratitude and loyalty to the Queen.
