Right royal chance for booze and bunting

Residents gather together to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday in the main square at Petworth, West Sussex. ‘They’re a rare chance for neighbours to meet and, yes, there may be a bit of red, white and blue, but mainly a lot of booze, bunting and BBQ,’ writes Chris Gittens. Photograph: Luke Macgregor/Reuters

Private neighbours’ street parties are not royal events because in every street residents have a range of views about the royals (The Queen’s birthday has unleashed a pernicious new patriotism, 10 June). This tradition for national days started in 1919 as peace teas for children after the first world war and traditions are always a muddle of feelings; like Christmas is not just for Christians. They’re a rare chance for neighbours to meet and, yes, there may be a bit of red, white and blue, but mainly a lot of booze, bunting and BBQ, gossiping, games and kids playing in their street for a change. Online searches get our street party website which is royal-neutral, and people just get on with it. So bah to the humbug, pass me a beer.
Chris Gittins
Director, Streets Alive

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