COMMUNITIES across Oxford are being urged to celebrate city life by joining a weekend of city-wide street parties.

Oxford Streets for the People launches this week and organisers are aiming for 75 parties in September, smashing last year’s total of 55.

The 2010 celebrations had more street parties per head of population than anywhere else in the UK.

And with the Royal Wedding on the horizon, neighbourhoods could be getting out the bunting twice this year.

The parties are planned for the weekend of September 17-18, with Prince William and Kate Middleton tying the knot on Tuesday, April 29.

Event coordinator Richard Bradley said the scheme, started by Oxford Civic Society, was a “celebration of neighbourhoods”.

He said: “We are aiming for 75 parties in the city, but with the Royal Wedding coming up it could be even more.

“Our main event is the weekend in September, but we’d encourage people to have street parties at any time.

“Street parties are great fun, and bring communities together and make them friendlier and more supportive.

“We want as many people as possible to sign up for the event, which is a celebration of all the neighbourhoods in Oxford.”

Oxford Streets for People – supported by the Oxford Mail – was launched to encourage the belief that streets “are valuable social spaces for all to use and enjoy”.

Anne Marie Browne, 45, of Fettiplace Road, Barton, is organising a party in her road after one last year proved a great success.

She said: “We were thinking about having one for the Royal Wedding but it has come around a bit too quickly. Last year we had about 70 people come out for the party and this year we believe it will be bigger and better than ever. They are great for the community, and break down any barriers.”

Oxford City Council is not charging for road closures and people hosting parties will not have to take out public liability insurance.

Julian Alison, the council’s licensing team leader, said: “Streets for People is a great event for people of your street to meet their neighbours and celebrate the community they live in. We have made the process for applying easier this year by wiping out the charges.

“We also have a useful section on our website setting out what people need to do to run their street party.”

  • To get a free street party pack, call 01865 252214 or visit oxford.gov.uk or oxstreets.oxford civicsoc.org.uk