Angie Fairbrother has been the driving force behind a street party on the Riverside Estate in Colchester, Essex, for 15 years, come rain or shine. Every June, she gathers gazebos and bunting while local residents contribute tables and chairs. Children enjoy games like hopscotch, and there’s face painting, dominoes, and delicious coronation chicken sandwiches. One memorable year even featured a Hawaiian shirt competition.

“The most memorable party was about seven or eight years ago, when it rained all day,” recalls Fairbrother, 58, a retired police officer. “We sheltered in marquees, played balloon-passing games, and had a wonderful time.”

Originally attracting just 60 attendees, her event has ballooned to over 300 participants. “Everyone brings dishes to share, and I make sure there’s plenty of tea. We’re now finding the need for larger tables because of everyone’s generosity,” she shares.

Next weekend, on June 7 and 8, you might notice several street celebrations in your community. The Big Lunch, an initiative launched by the Eden Project in Cornwall in 2009, is motivating people throughout the nation to seek permission from their local councils to close off streets for festive gatherings, while raising funds for charity.

But what makes British street parties so appealing? Are they merely a nostalgic nod to the 1950s, or do they carry a deeper significance?

Street parties have roots that trace back in British history. The first widespread golden jubilee commemoration during the reign of George III took place in 1809, prompting aristocrats to provide food for those less fortunate as a toast to the king’s 50 years on the throne. Even earlier records from 1533 note local celebrations where wine flowed abundantly during Anne Boleyn’s coronation.

Street parties gained further significance in 1919 when the government’s “peace committee” organized celebrations after World War I with sit-down teas designed to support children orphaned by the war.

In recent years, there have been numerous reasons to celebrate. Socially distanced gatherings were held in May 2020 to honor the 75th anniversary of VE Day, and communities adorned their streets with Union Jacks for both the Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and King Charles’s coronation in 2023.

However, the trend is shifting from grand events to more intimate and localized street parties. The previous year saw around ten million people join in Big Lunch celebrations, with similar numbers expected again this year. The coronation in 2023 drew a record-breaking 13 million participants at street gatherings.

In April, Prince William sparked discussion by suggesting city dwellers have “lost their ability to connect with their neighbors.”

One person who disagrees with this notion is Jo Benson, 53, who has been hosting street parties in Brixton, South London, for many years. He finds that these events bring in fresh faces regularly. “Cities today have a dynamic and mobile young population that doesn’t stay put for long,” he notes, emphasizing the value of fostering local social connections. Last party, a neighbor surprised everyone with a large sound system, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Street parties also play a crucial role in building community spirit throughout the year. Steve Wilkinson, 67, organized a street celebration for VE Day in Gateshead, North East England, despite initially not knowing his neighbors well. “During lockdown, we sat in our gardens, 50 yards apart, and I played music. I ended up bonding with Bob and Liz, who are into alternative music,” he recounts.

Wilkinson describes the first event as a spark that ignited a sense of community. After another celebration a year later, neighbors have even started vacationing together. “We’ve traveled to Palma and have a trip to Portugal coming up,” he adds. While he admits the weather can be unpredictable in the northeast, he confidently states, “We just move indoors if it rains.”

Some people believe there’s a “keep calm and carry on” spirit that strengthens neighborhood bonds during tough times. Marilyn Kendall, 64, who lives in Finchley, North London, attended her first street party in 2009. Shortly after, she noted an uptick in local burglaries, which prompted the formation of a WhatsApp group—a measure that, along with the pandemic, ultimately brought neighbors closer. At her community’s annual gathering, there’s a delightful array of diverse cuisines, including Japanese, Iranian, Italian, Indian, Chinese, and Hungarian dishes.

Moreover, street parties extend beyond England’s borders. Selwyn Johnson, 54, residing in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, observes that while such gatherings have traditionally been seen as an English affair, local residents have adapted the concept. “We’ve tailored it to fit our community,” he states, citing parades, picnics, and even a “Big Paddle” kayaking event around the town as part of their practices. In 2022, they held a four-day Jubilee celebration, showcasing their creativity and enthusiasm for community gatherings.

Johnson emphasizes that with Britain’s current mental health challenges, there is a growing necessity for community events. “In an increasingly busy world where many are working from home and glued to their devices, there is a fundamental need to connect. Events like these serve as the glue that reinforces community ties,” he concludes.