GROUPS wanting to put on a street party for the Diamond Jubilee have until May 4 to apply for permission to hold a knees-up.

Anyone wanting to hold a street party must apply for permission from Bracknell Forest's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) - made up of representatives from the police, fire and ambulance services and Bracknell Forest Council - by then.

The group is offering free advice to those wishing to hold a party and has put together an events pack to help people submit an application for their event.

The 60th anniversary of The Queen's ascension to the throne will be celebrated nationally over the weekend of June 2-3 and Monday and Tuesday, June 4-5, which will be Bank Holidays.

Laura Driscoll, licensing team leader at the council, said: "The council will advise on any temporary licences required, which for most general street parties will be unnecessary, and any public liability insurance needed.

"No matter what size event you are planning - large or small - we'd love to hear about it so we can make sure you have everything you need for it to be a success. The group will also sort out any refuse collections that need to be made on that day of the party so waste and recycling lorries do not disrupt the party but residents still have their bins emptied." The council will take care of any road closure administration and provide party organisers with free signage if required.

Mrs Driscoll said that, like with the Royal Wedding last year, the council has waived the fee for small-scale parties. The pack has sections on health and safety, serving food at community events, insurance, licences and temporary event notices for noise nuisance.

It aims to help people in the community organising small to medium events like fetes, street parties and charity fundraisers understand what they might have to put in place to make the event safe and legal.

For information on planning a Diamond Jubilee event, call 01344 352000 or see www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/diamondjubilee The events pack, which can also be used for planning Olympic parties and other events, is at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/sag * Are you holding a Diamond Jubilee or Olympic party? Let our photographers know via news@bracknellnews.co.uk or 01344 456611.