VE Day 80th Anniversary - information and guidance for communities
This year marks 80 years since the Second World War ended in Europe on 8 May 1945, when the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany.
Britons are being urged to take part in celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day this May, as it "might be our last chance to thank" surviving veterans.
If you're planning to celebrate VE Day with your friends, family, and community, here at Wiltshire Council we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make it as simple as possible for you to arrange. You will find a host of useful information and guidance on this page to help you.
The information on this page relates to community parties. Small private community parties and fetes do not normally require a licence. These parties and fetes are where groups of residents, or a community organisation, organises an event for the benefit of their neighbours The events can be held in streets, parks, green open spaces , gardens at home, churches, villages, town halls, pubs, clubs, hotels and all manner of locations throughout the United Kingdom.
There are many locations you can hold a party that don't require road closures, thus making the arrangements easier and quicker to manage. Most of the local parks and some green open spaces are managed by the City, Town and Parish Councils, so permissions will need to be sought from them.
If you are not sure who owns your local park or green open space, then please email Kevin Oliver at: kevin.oliver@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).
Possible locations include:
- A local park/field
- A village hall/green
- Your garden
- Local sports field
Choosing one of the venues/locations above would not require a road closure application but you will need to ensure you have permission from the landowner.
Depending on what activities you have planned you may also require a licence. Visit our licences and permits page for more information. If the event you are planning is at a venue/location that doesn't have a licence to carry out a particular activity, such as selling alcohol, then a temporary event notice will be required. Visit our to find out more.
Please ensure you have a record of risks and how you are planning to control them. The Health and Safety Executive (opens new window) has some useful information and example templates you can use.
If you wish to carry out any of the licensable activities listed at your event, you would have needed to apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
- Sell alcohol by retail
- Supply hot food or hot drink after 11pm or before 5am on any day. This includes takeaways, cafés, mobile hot food vans and any other venue providing hot food or hot drink
- Provide regulated entertainment such as performance of a play, exhibition of a film, indoor sporting events, boxing and wrestling, live or recorded music and performance of dance
Large scale events which are likely to attract over 500 people need a Premises Licence instead of a TEN. Any individual of 18 years or over can apply for a TEN.
There are two types of TEN: a standard TEN and a late TEN. These are subject to different processes: a standard notice is given no later than ten working days before the event to which it relates; and a late notice is given not before nine and not later than five working days before the event.
Are there any events which are exempt from needing a TEN?
Yes, as a result of deregulatory changes that have amended the 2003 Act there are several activities that no longer require a licence. For an up-to-date list of all exemptions please refer to www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/3253/made (opens new window)
For more information and to apply for a TEN online please see the following link
There is no law that says you must buy insurance for a voluntary or community event - but you might want to make sure you are covered in case something goes wrong and someone makes a claim against you. Having public liability insurance may give you peace of mind, but it's good planning, not insurance, that stops things going wrong.
Small community events are exempt from the requirement for public liability insurance only when:
- The event is not publicised for the general public and therefore will not draw in people from the wider area
- The event applies to the residents of one or two streets and attendance will generally involve less than 150 people
- There is no amplified entertainment which may cause nuisance to the wider area
- There is no alcohol or food being sold
- It is recommended that you take out adequate Public Liability Insurance (PLI) if you decide to put on an activity that could cause harm to someone such as operating a barbeque or hiring in devices such as a bouncy castle or children's amusement rides.
Are there other events due to take place in the same location in the same day? Do some research as you'll want to avoid a clash if possible.
Is your event likely to create lots of noise? It's courteous to let neighbours and businesses in the area know what your plans are in advance of the event. Leave a phone number with them so they can call if they have any questions or concern.
If at an outdoor location, we would ask you to put waste bins in place at your party to keep the area tidy. Also, ask people to help clean up after and have bin bags available.
The organiser will ultimately be responsible for clearing all litter, waste and equipment from the street at the end of the party. As the event is a community event, organised and attended by residents, the waste on this occasion, will be treated as household waste. Please take the waste home, recycle where possible and it will be collected on the normal waste collection day.
It is always useful and safe to have someone who is first aid trained with the right kit, to support anyone who might need it.
Expecting a lot of people at your party or event? Consider making someone responsible for health and safety aspects.
We wouldn't recommend fireworks, given that it will be getting darker much later in May, but visit our explosives and fireworks for any information you might need.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to virtually all premises, including most buildings, structures and open spaces. This includes outdoor events. The 'Order' requires the organiser to make sure that a fire risk assessment is undertaken by a competent person. The risk assessment must identify the fire risks that can be removed or reduced, general fire precautions and people at special risk.
Events held on the highway impact significantly on the existing road network and can cause disruption and upset to those not taking part. Any event that has the potential for disruption must consult with the Highway Authority. Early engagement will assist the traffic authority to prevent problems on the network, helping organisers minimise the impact of their event on the highway. Therefore, we recommend that alternative venues such as public open spaces, parks, driveways, parking areas and gardens are considered for staging the event where possible, rather than using the public highway.
After considering the advice on these pages and closing the road is the only sensible, safe and practical option, you will need to apply for an official Road Closure. Please email the Traffic Orders Department at Wiltshire Council at: trafficorders@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) for an Application Form, alternatively an Application Form and Guidance notes can be found by or by visiting Special event road closures
Please supply as much information as possible, as this will make all stages of processing your application quicker and easier. Once you have completed your application form please return it to the email address above along with signage details, a risk assessment, and details of your consultation with those directly affected by the road closure (all detailed below). It is important to submit your application along with the supporting documents at least eight weeks before the day of the closure itself. If your application is outside the set timescales or it doesn't include the supporting documents, then the application will be rejected.
Permission for closures will not be granted on a main road, bus route or emergency vehicle priority route or if there will be a conflict with another closure that takes priority for example, planned or emergency works.
The event organiser is responsible for ensuring adequate signage of the closure and any diversion route both prior to and during the event. All signs to be placed on the highway must be in accordance with the requirements of the Traffic Signs Manual.
Any decoration, barriers, signs or bunting must be authorised by Wiltshire Highway Authority.
Depending on where you live, please email the respective highway office.
- westernhighways@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) (Warminster, Westbury, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Chippenham, Corsham)
- northernhighways@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) (Calne, Devizes, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett & Cricklade)
- southernhighways@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) (Salisbury, Amesbury, Tidworth, Durrington, Wilton, Mere, Downton)
Any decoration, signs or bunting must be securely fastened, must not overhang or obstruct the highway or footway and must not cause a hazard to vehicles or pedestrians. There must not be any open flames, fires or barbecues on the highway, or on the pavement.
In order to maintain access for residents and for the emergency services, a minimum clear way of 3.66m throughout the length of the closed street must be maintained.
Parking of vehicles in the vicinity of barriers is prohibited and no overspill of parking is allowed in any adjacent street. Multiple parking (either side by side or head on) is also prohibited.
Stalls, tables and other objects placed on the street must not obstruct the entrance to individual properties. Additionally, please remember that street fire hydrants and indicating tablets must not be obscured in any way.
We ask that the event organisers also arrange for temporary reflective 'Road Closed' barriers to be placed at the points of road closures in order to alert motorists. Organisers are also responsible for placing and taking down diversion signs. The 'Road Closed' barriers should be manned at all times by a responsible person.
The organiser must also provide diversion signs along the agreed diversion route. Signs reading "Diverted Traffic" with an arrow pointing in the appropriate direction must be clearly displayed and securely fixed along the alternative route. All barriers, signs and obstructions must be removed from the highway at the conclusion of the event.
When a road closure is required, we recommend that event organisers complete a risk assessment. This will help you identify any accidents that could occur and action you could take to reduce the risk. Public safety is the most important consideration in planning your community event. This should be submitted along with your road closure application.
A road closure may affect other people living in your street. Therefore, event organisers are required to consult with the owners/occupiers of properties prior to submitting an application to close the road. We recommend that you speak with your neighbours to let them know about the planned road closure and obtain their agreement that they are happy for the road to be closed and for the community party to go ahead.
This is also a good opportunity to speak with people and invite them to get involved with the organisation of the community party. You must keep a record of who you have contacted and send a copy to the council with your application. For neighbours that you have been unable to contact, you must undertake a letter drop providing details and contact numbers to enable them to make comments and representations should they wish.
Record these and notify us of any objections at least five weeks prior to the event. Please log any objections that you have been unable to resolve with residents on your street and return this to the council along with the Road Closure Application Form.
If you do not want cars to be parked on the street during the event, we would like you to tell us when you apply for the road closure. If you cannot say at this stage, you'll need to let our Parking Services Team know at least two weeks before the event. Contact:Parking Services at: parkingservices@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
If you have any questions about formulating a risk assessment or just general health and safety advice on organising a safe community party in Wiltshire, please speak with Kevin Oliver, Events Authorising Officer on 01380 826335 or 07825 400377 or email kevin.oliver@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).
Inviting people face to face is a must to get people involved. You need to send round paper invitations - this will be needed to show us that you have 'consulted' everyone.
Most community events are for residents only and there is no outside "publicity" (that would make it a public event). Remember to include local businesses in your consultation if they would be affected by your road closure.
There should be a lead person from the street who can apply for the road closure order on behalf of the residents. This person should also be the main contact for the council and the emergency services.
You must have a road closure order in place to close the road. The order will identify the times from when you can close the road. Remember that members of the public cannot stop traffic to close a road, wait until there is no traffic approaching and then put out your road closed signs. Please remember; you cannot legally stop vehicles from entering or driving down a road unless a road closure order has been granted.
Wiltshire Council does not have a supply of road closed / diversion signs. Applicants should make arrangements with a local Traffic Management company to hire the appropriate signage. Do not forget to take down all signage after the event.
The risks at most community events are usually very low and so the risk of liability to organisers is low. Planning a safe event is the best way of reducing risks, therefore make sure you have completed a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. However, the council do advise you to consider taking out public liability insurance cover (PLI) if you are planning to have a bouncy castle/inflatable, BBQ or a children's entertainment ride.
If you are planning to have a bouncy castle/inflatable at your event please ensure you request the suppliers PLI, risk assessment and the Engineers Equipment Inspection Certificate (ADIPS or PIPA).
Yes. There may be risks that are only applicable to your party area, so you should produce a risk assessment to ensure it reflects your own location and event. This will need to be submitted as part of the road closure application process.
Although there is no need to employ qualified people to marshal your event, it is good practice to nominate some of your residents to position themselves by the road closure signs to answer any questions from vehicle drivers and also to stop non-residents from 'gate-crashing' your event.
Yes, you will need to clean up after your community event. It's your road, your event, so please keep your local area clean and tidy. Let people know in advance what time the event will finish and have a section set aside for bin bags and recycling. Remember that the clean-up time should be considered when applying for the road closure order so that the clean-up can be safely undertaken while the road is closed.
i) Start by asking a couple of neighbours you know whether they are keen. Agree a date early on.
ii) Invite the whole street to the first meeting and look to hold two or three more meetings to chat and plan to ensure everyone is happy and kept informed. Keep meetings informal and share out the activities and jobs
iii) Complete the road closure application form and send it to Traffic Orders at trafficorders@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
If you require any further information or advice, contact: Kevin Oliver, Authorising Officer on 01380 826335 or 07825 400377.
No, licences are only required if alcohol is sold. At a private community event, sharing drinks with neighbours does not require a license. If you do want to sell alcohol, you will need to contact the Wiltshire Council Licensing to make an application for a Temporary Events Notice. The fee for this is £21. Please email pubilcprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
If your community event is a private get together for residents, the music is not advertised in advance to attract people, and you're not making money, then there is no need for a license for your music, whether it is live or recorded.
As a community event you do not need a licence under the Licensing Act 2003 to sell food (unless you want to only sell hot food and drink after 11pm). Remember you can always ask your neighbours to bake a cake, make a sandwich or bring food to share with one another. This is also a good way to bring different groups of people together.
If the tombola/raffle tickets are sold on the day and the prizes are not worth more than £500 in total then it will be exempt from gambling regulations (however, if tickets are sold in advance of the event, you will need a lottery registration, but do contact the Council first to check). Any proceeds from the tombola/raffle must go to a good cause such as charity or covering the cost of your party. Alternatively, if you did want to raise some money for your local church or charity, you can always ask people for donations
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