A History of Street Parties to Celebrate Major UK Events
The earliest known street party celebrations were held in 1919, around the end of World War I, with “Peace Teas”. This was celebrated to honour the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. During these tea parties, the focus was laid on special treats for children in those times of austerity and they basically replaced formal sit-down affairs. Local residents organised parties to commemorate special events in their lives. These parties were probably a development of the historical public street dinners that had been held in such popular occasion like the 1897 Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Since that time, the popularity of these community parties has grown tremendously and famous events are now celebrated across the whole nation, but on a regional level. In 1945, streets gathered to celebrate VE Day which marked the end of the war in Europe. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2nd June 1953 was full of joy as people gathered in the streets to welcome the new monarch. The people’s cries of “God save the Queen” filled the air as they came to the streets in their thousands to watch the first ever TV broadcast of a coronation. This day marked the birth of the popular party dish, Coronation chicken.
Other famous street party events across the nation have included the 1977 Queen’s Silver jubilee, the 1981 Royal Wedding of Lady Diana to Prince Williams, and the 2011 Royal Wedding of Catherine Middleton to Prince Charles. It should be remembered, however, that these celebrations were not only meant for Royal events as the 1966 England’s World Cup victory brought people across the country to celebrate together with street parties.
Formerly, traditional street celebrations coincided with times of hardship, the food was simple and people could eat whatever was available. For instance, the 1945 Queen's Coronation came at a time when food rationing was still on following the end of the World War II. To realize the spirit of this celebration, however, families were given 4 oz of margarine and an extra pound of sugar for the celebration.
Today’s street parties may may not have similar constraints but they are still a celebration of traditional food in the UK and their traditions. More than one million celebrants joined a street party for the 2011 Royal Wedding and even more are expected to celebrate the 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The special long weekend (2nd-5th June) will be a wonderful time to join family, friends and neighbours in celebration.
