Hi all
Waltham Forest News are going to do a feature on our street party. I've
suggested the person comes to our usual annual 'debrief' meeting but we have to
decide when that might be - this week?
In the meantime they have asked us to write '5 tips for a successful street
party'. Here's what i've come up with just to start things off - comments would
be very welcome, i've said i will respond in a couple of days.
Have a vision. Stand at your front door, have a look up and down your road and
imagine what a street party might look like. Should it be a traditional trestle
tables and plastic union jack bowler hats affair, a garden fete type event or
even a festival in a day on your doorstep?
Share your vision. Send flyers out to your neighbours and go door to door
asking what people think of your idea. Organise an initial meeting in the local
pub to discuss things. Be nice but persistent during the initial door to door
stage and prepare to be surprised if the grumpiest naysayers turn out to be the
most practical, enthusiastic and important people.
Keep people informed. Create a blog, email list etc but don't forget those who
don't go online - publicise meetings on posters and try out different
venues/days/times. distribute newsletters, meeting notes etc via email, blog
but also as flyers. Keep asking people what they think - of the suggested date,
suggested activities etc. Keep thinking of ways to get people involved. You may
not get any responses, but just keep trying.
Don't despair. If no one turns up at the meetings or responds to your flyers
it can be pretty harsh at times, but you might be surprised how many people are
reading the flyers etc and just turn out on the day. When you get your event
established you can let people know that if they don't turn up for meetings
they'll be nominated for jobs in their absence!
Don't underestimate costs. Even if you ask people to bring out food and drink
to share and manage to secure some funding, costs of basic infrastructure items
such as gazebos, tables, plates etc, games equipment, lighting etc can spiral.
Keep track of spending, think of fund raising activities, spend the month
before your event looking at stuff people have thrown out wondering what you
could make out of it for your party.
