STREET parties are once again on the agenda as the country prepares to officially welcome a new monarch.

The coronation of King Charles III and The Queen Consort will take place on Saturday, May 6, part of a bank holiday weekend.

Now, Dorset Council is aiming to help celebrations go off with a bang by waiving fees for those applying to close roads for celebratory events, such as a street party.

Anyone applying to close a road needs to do so at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/temporary-traffic-restrictions-for-events before March 31.

So far, there have been 17 applications for road closures in the Dorset Council area.

Holding a small outside event with neighbours, on private land, does not need council permission, a spokesperson said.

However, if you plan a street party that involves the closure of a public road, we need to check the road is suitable.

Town and parish councils across Dorset will also be organising events, they said.

Cllr Val Pothecary, chairman of Dorset Council, said: “The Coronation of King Charles III is going to be a very special national event, and we want as many people as possible to take part in the celebrations.

“As well as the formal and organised community events that will be taking place, we’re encouraging people to get into the spirit of the occasion and put on their own local events – it could be as simple as inviting your family and friends for a party in the garden, or a larger community event such as a street party for the neighbourhood.”

People are also being encouraged to hold a Coronation Big Lunch, on Sunday, May 7, when a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios.

And on May 8, The Big Help Out takes place, with people encouraged to volunteer for a community scheme.

For more on the official celebrations, log on to www.royal.uk/coronation-weekend-plans-announced.