Street parties tradition has been a very significant part of British culture for many years now. The first parties of this kind were organized just after the end of World War 1 in 1919, going by the name of ‘Peace Teas’. They were mainly held as a treat for children who had to suffer through times of hardship, especially with the widespread epidemic commonly known as the ‘Spanish flu’.
After signing the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919 which officially put a stop to the fighting, the peace committee wanted to organize something that would publicly mark the end of the war. At first, ‘peace teas’ were organized in a formal, sit-down manner on major national events. However, as the tradition grew, residents continued to organize them on all national days of celebration.
The parties were held in various honors, ranging from jubilees and coronations of kings and the Queen, to celebrating the Royal Family’s weddings and the Queen’s birthdays. Before bunting became commonly used to decorate the streets during these days, residents used to ‘dress the streets’ finding inspiration in village parades and town banquets. Nowadays, street parties are being held at any time of the year for the sake of having fun and building community spirit. Residents get together by having a barbecue, with everyone bringing food to share and games being played by the youngest ones.
