On Tuesday 22nd April at 7pm, Frome Town Council is holding an information session for anyone interested in running a street party. Working in association with Frome Neighbourhood Network, experienced street party organisers will be on hand to share tips and advice – focusing on what has worked well and what has not.
Favourite moments from recent street parties include the tug of war at Beechwood Avenue, pitting odd house numbers against even and a teddy bear zip wire in Victoria Road. Beechwood Avenue organiser, Jackie Adkins added ‘We’ve had four street parties to date. I love the original offerings people come up with; a couple of years ago one resident offered rides on his model steam engine and the tug of war is a favourite. The games and equipment borrowed from Frome Town Council are invaluable. Having a street party is a wonderful way to get to know more neighbours and feel connected as a street.’
Annabelle Macfadyen from Nunney Road added: ‘The street parties we’ve had over the past seven years have been a lot of fun. The children have a great time playing in the car free street while adults enjoy shared food, music and an entertaining raffle. It’s been a really good way of getting to know each other.’
Victoria Road’s Esme Patey Ford observed: ‘We’ve had three street parties in recent years; they have all had a different flavour, influenced by who has joined in, what the weather has done, and the activities that have been organised. Every year the feeling has been one of connection and pleasure in sharing the day. One year there was lots of excitement at the idea of creating a teddy bears’ zip wire from one house to another across the street. Another year, a brilliant quiz and DJ set created a focus. Live music performed by a group of neighbours is always a particularly special feature. The set-up is such a helpful time for getting over any initial hesitancy, as neighbours come together to assemble gazebos, tables and chairs, put up bunting, and bring out food. It’s always surprising to see how wide the street is without any cars on it, and joyful to experience how quickly the children claim the space as their own with pavement chalks, games, bikes and scooters. At its best, a street party connects those who’ve lived here for years with more recent arrivals, across the generations, in a playful, easy, creative way.’
Mayor Andy Jones said ‘Thanks to Frome Neighbourhood Network, Frome has a lot of street parties for a small town. They’re a great way to get to know your neighbours, see your street in a new way and build stronger communities. Come along on 22nd April to hear about successes and maybe even a few things NOT to do, and then start planning your own street party!’
No booking is required for the street party information session. Contact Hannah Stopford at hstopford@frometowncouncil.gov.uk if you have any questions. Find out more about Frome Neighbourhood Network at www.fnn.org.uk.
