Barely a day goes by without an exciting event taking place in Leeds. From arts and music, to food and live sport, ours is a city with plenty going on.
Now summer’s here, the local events calendar looks even busier than usual. But with so many excellent ways to fill your days, which are the events that you really can’t afford to miss? We take a look, with our guide to the best Yorkshire summer events 2023!
West Yorkshire’s annual series of cracking musical events returns, with this year’s lineup among the best ever!
Taking place at Millennium Square from July 6th – 15th, acts confirmed for SOTC 2023 include Kasabian, Blossoms, Bastille, McFly, Shed Seven and more.
A family-friendly affair, Sounds Of The City is perfect for music-loving mums and dads, and energetic kids who just love to make some noise! Tickets are available here, with prices varying from show to show.
Millennium Square, Leeds. LS2 3AD.
If your kids love everything to do with animals, add Temple Newsam to your list of places to visit this summer.
With All Creatures Great And Small, visitors can celebrate the animals of Temple Newsam, from the rare breed animals at the site’s Home Farm, to animal portraits inside the astonishing Tudor-Jacobean house itself.
There are a huge range of trails and activities for visitors to enjoy, as well as a legendary play area and mile after mile of gorgeous parkland, so pack a picnic and head on over from 22nd July until 3rd September (except Mondays).
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds. LS15 0AE.
Anyone looking for a free day out can stop looking – Leeds Discovery Centre is hosting a series of guided tours around Leeds Museum & Galleries’ collection store!
A purpose-built display storage facility that houses more than one million objects in climate-controlled conditions, the store is a treasure trove of toys, taxidermy animals, skeletons, furniture, clothing, textiles, and archaeology from Leeds, Yorkshire and around the world.
The first tour begins at 1:00 pm on July 25th, with plenty more taking place over the summer holidays. Entry is free but booking is essential. Contact 0113 378 2100 or email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk to make a reservation.
Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Rd, Leeds. LS10 1LB.
Taking place at Lotherton Hall – one of West Yorkshire’s most popular country houses – on August 5th, the Outdoor Theatre series is presented by the renowned Chapterhouse Theatre Company and does exactly what it says on the tin: enables you to watch a play outdoors!
A fantastic trip out for families in particular, Lotherton Hall’s beautiful gardens provide the perfect backdrop against which to watch this production of one of the most popular children’s books of all time – Frances Burnett Hodgson’s The Secret Garden. And if the sun’s out, it’ll be truly jaw-dropping!
The story centres around a young girl who is sent to live at her uncle’s house in the countryside, where mysteries, new friends and magical creatures lurk around every corner. Entry is free for children aged four and under and tickets are available here.
Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds. LS25 3EB.
At Leeds Credit Union, we know that finding extra money to pay for days out over the summer holidays can be a stressful experience. We can help with budgeting and provide you with access to a range of loans and savings accounts. For more information, click here.
Not only is summertime nearly here again, National Picnic Week 2023 is too!
Taking place from June 17th – 25th, National Picnic Week 2023 encourages everyone to take all the food, drink and blankets you can carry to the nearest, nicest park to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a bite to eat in the open air.
With a huge array of suitable outdoor venues in and around Leeds, the only question is: where should you go? We have some suggestions…
Located less than half an hour from Leeds city centre, Yeadon Tarn is one of Yorkshire’s best kept secrets.
Covering approximately 46 acres of land that includes a beautiful 7.5 hectare lake filled with wildlife and dedicated picnic spots for those who prefer tables to blankets, there’s plenty of Tarn to go around, even on busy days, meaning you won’t end up picnicking on top of another family.
And once you’ve finished eating, there’s plenty to do if you fancy burning a few calories, including sailing and other water sports, a playground, a BMX track and walks aplenty. It’s also dog-friendly, so your canine companions can enjoy the fun too.
Yeadon Tarn, Yeadon, Leeds. LS19 7UR.
If you want a picnic spot next to a gorgeous river with plenty of open spaces and a dash of Yorkshire’s unbeatable history, Kirkstall Abbey is the place for you.
Set against the backdrop of the ruins of the titular abbey – a stunning 12th-century Cistercian monastery – Kirkstall Abbey not only provides the perfect setting for a riverside picnic, it also has lots of areas to explore, a cafe in case it rains, a play area for kids and access to plenty of shade for respite from the sun on hot days.
Chuck in some local tennis courts and the legendarily large beer garden at the nearby Kirkstall Bridge Inn pub and you’ve got a top picnic spot.
Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds. LS5 3EH.
Desperate for a picnic but don’t fancy travelling far to find the perfect spot? Just wander over to Leeds city centre!
That’s right, tucked away near the city’s business district, Park Square has everything you need for a meal out in the open. As well as being a natural sun-trap, this expertly landscaped spot has plenty of grassy areas to set up on, numerous benches and flowers and trees that add colour and make you believe you’re a million miles away from one of the UK’s busiest metropolitan areas.
And if you need any extra supplies or want something fun to do after you’ve eaten, you’ve got Leeds just a short stroll away. What could be better?
Park Square, Leeds. LS1 2NY.
One of the largest urban parks anywhere in Europe, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Roundhay Park had actually been designed specifically for picnics.
Comprising 700 acres of incredible natural beauty, rolling parkland, floral displays, streams, secret paths, a gorge walk, two lakes woodlands and open spaces and wildlife in every direction, you could throw a picnic blanket on the ground almost anyway in Roundhay Park and find yourself surrounded by the perfect blend of greenery and tranquillity.
Just remember to set an alarm if you lie down to rest after eating – the park is so relaxing, you might just fall asleep.
Roundhay Park, Roundhay, Leeds. LS8 2ER.
The biggest location on our list by some distance, Temple Newsam’s 1,500 acres of parkland provide no shortage of both sunny spots and shaded spaces for picnickers who like landscaped grounds, natural beauty and no fewer than three lakes.
One of Yorkshire’s most popular tourist attractions, Temple Newsam also has plenty to offer once the food’s all gone, with walled gardens, woodland trails, several walks and a shop all worth a visit.
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Selby Road, Leeds. LS15 0AE.
When all’s said and done, there really is no place like home so, if you’re trying to keep your outgoings to a minimum at the moment, why not cut down on travel costs this National Picnic Week and have one in your own backyard?!
With its handy location close to vital amenities like running water, toilets and indoor seating if the weather takes a turn for the worse, your garden is convenient, unlikely to be overcrowded and best of all, admission is free!
With a huge number of superb outdoor spaces available nearby, picnickers in Leeds are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to go for a sandwich in the sun. If we’ve forgotten to mention your favourite picnic destination, let us know about it on our social channels!
Lastly, remember that whatever your dream plans are for National Picnic Week, we can help make them a reality with one of our affordable loans. Find out more here.
Gift Ideas for Father’s Day 2023
Sunday June 18th is Father’s Day, a day to celebrate your dear old dad and thank him for all the hours he spent raising you, helping you, teaching you and of course playing taxi for you for many years.
Most dads claim they don’t want anyone to go to any bother when it comes to getting them something for their birthday or Christmas but don’t be fooled, dads love a present as much as everybody else. This Father’s Day, why not get him something he’ll love with the help of our handy gift guide?
If your dad is the sort who leaves his beard blocking the plug hole every time he shaves, this is a present the whole family can enjoy!
A convenient apron that attaches to the mirror to stop rogue hairs ending up all over the place during a shave, the Beard Buddy is washable, adjustable and comes with a storage bag.
The only thing dads love more than a good joke is a good dad joke, i.e. the sort of joke that’s so unoriginal and/or unfunny that it actually is somehow kind of funny.
If your dad could do with adding a few new weapons to his gag arsenal, this bestselling dad joke book should be right up his street.
Does your dad enjoy a beer? Does he wish he had more free time so he could do more exercise? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’ (even though you suspect that if he did have more spare time, he’d just use it to take more naps) then this dumbbell beer glass is the gift you’ve been looking for!
Made of high-quality glass, this not-so-little beauty will hold just over a pint of your old man’s favourite tipple and every time he does a rep with it, he can reward himself by taking a swig. Talk about a win-win!
OK, an air freshener isn’t the first thing that sprang to our minds when we started thinking about gifts for dads but hear us out – this smart bit of kit might just revolutionise the dad-car industry.
A slim, slate grey diffuser that attaches discreetly to any of his car’s air vents, the Fumebar is a refillable cylinder that pumps out one of two dad-friendly scents to make his car smell nice and/or mask the whiff of his old trainers.
Although some dads have grown up consuming their music digitally, most still remember – and secretly yearn for – the good old days when you had to go to a shop and buy a CD or a record if you wanted to hear your favourite band’s new album.
If your dad fits into that category, this retro-looking record player is an inexpensive way to transport him back to those simpler times. Featuring built-in speakers, a suitcase design and a carry handle, your old man will be up in the loft digging out his old Rolling Stones vinyl in no time. If he tries to make you listen to Jethro Tull though, get the fuck outta there.
A delicious, refined whisky that almost any dad would be happy to sip from start to finish (although hopefully not in one sitting…), this particular offering from Laphroaig won gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards as recently as 2019.
With notes of oak, peat and sweetness, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy with family and friends after dinner, either on its own or with your dad’s favourite mixer.
Dads love pizzas, gadgets and cooking outdoors, so this tidy little pizza oven might be the pinnacle of Father’s Day presents.
A portable, wood-fired pizza oven that reaches 500°C in under 20 minutes and cooks pizzas to smoky perfection in as little as 60 seconds, Oonis also come with a three-year guarantee and the option of a whole host of accessories. If you ask us, all dads ought to come with one of these as standard.
Not just one car but THREE!
That’s right, if your dad fancies himself as his generation’s Lewis Hamilton, he’ll be in his element taking each of three iconic British cars out for a three mile drive. With six cars to choose between – including an Aston Martin DB5 and an E-Type Jaguar – and an instructor by his side to stop him getting too carried away, this is an experience your dad will never forget.
Fortnum & Mason is renowned for its incredibly good food so you can guarantee your dad will love this box full of breakfast brilliance.
Bursting with specially selected bacon, sausages, eggs, salted butter, sourdough bread, tomato sauce, tea and coffee, the only downside is that every other cooked breakfast he’ll ever have will be pale in comparison.
At Leeds Credit Union, we can help you get your finances in order with one of our tailored loans, whether you need £250 or £25,000. Apply for yours here.
Embrace the Sun: Budget-Friendly Tips for Enjoying a Summer Holiday
The summer season calls for relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable memories. However, planning a summer holiday can sometimes be daunting, especially when trying to stay within a budget. But fear not! With a bit of careful financial planning, you can embark on a memorable summer holiday without breaking the bank.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some budget-friendly tips for enjoying a summer holiday while highlighting how Leeds Credit Union can help you spread the cost with our affordable loan options.
Begin your holiday planning by establishing a realistic budget. Determine the amount you can comfortably afford to spend on your vacation. Consider your income, savings, and any additional funds you can allocate.
There are plenty of fantastic holiday destinations that offer exciting experiences without draining your wallet. Research destinations known for their affordability, such as hidden gems, off-peak locations, or budget-friendly countries. Opt for destinations with low-cost accommodation options, affordable local transportation, and reasonably priced attractions. By choosing wisely, you can enjoy a memorable holiday without sacrificing your budget.
Being flexible with your travel dates can result in significant savings. Consider travelling during weekdays or outside peak seasons when airfares and accommodations tend to be more affordable. Utilise travel comparison websites to find the best deals and be open to adjusting your plans slightly to secure cost-effective options.
Hotels aren’t the only option for your summer holiday accommodation. Embrace alternative options such as hostels, vacation rentals, or camping sites. These choices can often provide a unique experience and save you money.
Eating out every day can quickly eat into your holiday budget. Instead, plan and prepare some of your meals. Visit local markets or grocery stores to stock up on fresh produce and ingredients. This way, you can enjoy picnics, cook your favourite dishes, and experience the local cuisine without constantly dining at restaurants.
Many destinations offer an array of free or low-cost activities and attractions. Research and discover parks, museums, walking tours, or festivals that won’t put a dent in your wallet. These activities can provide a rich cultural experience while keeping your budget intact.
Leeds Credit Union offers low-interest holiday loans designed to help you spread the cost of your summer holiday. With our flexible repayment plans and competitive interest rates, you can easily manage your finances while enjoying your well-deserved vacation. Whether you need assistance with flights, accommodation, or other holiday expenses, a holiday loan could provide the financial support you require.
So go ahead, plan your budget-friendly summer adventure, and let Leeds Credit Union help make it a reality.
Taking place from June 5th – 11th, National Bike Week is a week-long event designed to encourage more people to cycle more often.
Although the health benefits of cycling are well known, there are other benefits too, so grab your helmets and put on your reflective gear as we take a closer look at why more people should take part in National Bike Week.
It’s impossible to overstate how good cycling is for improving your general health. Regular physical activity of any kind has been shown to help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, mental illness, diabetes and arthritis, but cycling is among the easiest ways to exercise as it can be included into most people’s daily routines – such as by cycling to work or to the shops.
Cycling also uses all the major muscle groups, giving you and your kids an excellent all-over workout and increasing stamina and strength. Because it is an aerobic activity, cycling also provides your heart, lungs and blood vessels with an important workout while simultaneously improving mobility, posture and coordination, burning fat, strengthening bones and decreasing stress and anxiety levels.
Because cycling is a low-impact exercise – meaning it doesn’t put any strain or weight on your muscles or joints – it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and only requires as little as two hours per week to improve your health. It can also be done at any level of intensity, making it as suitable for children just learning to ride as it is for teenagers who want to go as fast as possible.
So long as you have access to a bicycle, another benefit of cycling to school is it’s absolutely free!
For many families, the cost of driving their children to school, or paying for public transport, is extremely expensive and, at a time when many households are facing financial hardship, reducing costs wherever possible is vital. Swap driving to school for cycling and you’ll be quids-in in no time.
A recent study led by the University of Oxford’s Transport Studies Unit found that switching from driving to cycling once a day enabled people to reduce their carbon footprints by approximately 0.5 tonnes per year – a significant amount.
Although global efforts to tackle climate change are at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever to do what you can to help the cause. The good news is you can make a difference by simply getting on your bike.
Another great reason to cycle more often is because it’s fun! Getting outdoors, coasting down hills and taking the time to appreciate the natural world are things we could all do more of and cycling allows you to do all three at once.
If you’re planning on accompanying your children on a ride, you could make it even more fun by having a race and noting your times to see if you can beat them the following day.
At Leeds Credit Union, we offer loans from £250 to £2,000 which could go towards the cost of buying a bike for you or someone in your family. Click here for more information.
With spring cleaning and DIY going hand-in-hand, now is a great opportunity to tackle some home improvements. However, it can be hard to know where to begin, especially if you are trying to stick to a budget.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to cut costs when giving your home a makeover and we’ve rounded up a few of the best. Here are our DIY tips for spring and summer 2023.
Sounds simple but putting up a new shelf adds depth to a room and enables you to display anything you want on it, with photos, prints and seasonal decorations all inexpensive and easy to switch whenever you fancy a change.
There are no end of shelving options available in hardware stores and online these days, with something for every budget. If you have any leftover pieces of wood from previous DIY projects, you could even have a go at making your own shelf to keep costs down further still!
By painting one wall in a room a different colour to the others, you’ll bring it to life, drawing attention to your feature wall and giving the whole room a vibrant refresh.
All you need to do is decide what colour you want your feature wall to be, then get painting! You might not even need to buy new paint – if you’ve amassed a collection of paint sample pots over the years, you could go bold and colour block your wall by using two or three different colours that work together.
If you’re not sure which colours work well together, look at a colour wheel and either choose colours that are close together – like orange, red and pink – or that are directly across from each other – like blue and yellow – for contrast.
As the heart of the home, everyone wants their kitchen to look its best. A simple way of giving it a quick face lift is to paint your cabinets and change their handles.
Immediately improve dated, gloss-finish cabinets by first painting over them with primer, then painting them any colour you choose. By then adding brass handles, you’ll instantly transform your kitchen, giving it a high-end and trend-proof look at an affordable price.
For the ultimate in budget renovations, nothing beats regrouting, so turn your attention to any cracked or discoloured bits of grout today!
Ideally, you should remove at least 3mm of the old grout – using a grout rake which can be picked up inexpensively from any hardware store – before regrouting, but if you’re really pushed for time, new grout can be applied on top of old grout.
In the time it takes the grout to dry, you’ll bring a bright outline to your tiles, highlighting their colour and instantly making the bathroom a more vibrant place to be.
With summer just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to spending some time in our gardens. If you fall into that category, you’ll want to check your garden furniture to make sure it still looks its best after six months in the shed!
Again, a simple lick of paint is all that’s required to get your tired garden furniture ready for summer. And because most sets aren’t especially big, you might have enough paint lying around your garage or shed to paint everything you need to without buying any new tins. You could even ask a neighbour if they have any pots of leftover paint you could take off their hands.
Although the aim of this advice is to help homeowners keep costs down, we know that sometimes you might need to undertake a bigger project – or several little ones all at the same time – that makes sticking to a budget impossible.
If you need a helping hand affording some home improvements this summer, we offer loans from as little as £250, all the way up to £25,000, and you can find out more about them here.
Taking place from May 15th – 21st, the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is anxiety.
Defined in the dictionary as ‘a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease about something with an uncertain outcome’, anxiety is a normal emotion. One of the leading causes of it is money, which anyone with concerns over how they’ll afford to pay for food or energy can likely attest.
The good news is that saving even a small amount of money each month can have a positive impact on your mental health. Here are a few of the ways:
Financial stress is a common cause of anxiety and can have a detrimental impact on mental health. By saving money each month, even if it’s only a small amount, you can reduce financial stress and anxiety by building a safety net and having some funds to help cover unexpected expenses.
Having savings can help improve feelings of security and stability. Knowing that you have money set aside provides a sense of comfort and peace of mind, which can improve overall mental health.
Saving money can also increase confidence. Achieving your financial goals, no matter how small, can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem, which helps improve mental well-being.
Financial pressures are a common cause of relationship problems. By saving money to make you more financially resilient, you can reduce any financial strains in your relationships and help reduce your anxiety and stress levels.
Saving money can also provide a sense of control over your finances. This can help reduce feelings of helplessness and increase feelings of empowerment, which can have a positive impact on mental health.
Making saving a priority is a great way to improve your financial well-being and boost your mental health. We offer a range of savings accounts that enable you to make regular contributions and access your money instantly – for more information, click here.
We also offer a Money and Budgeting Advice Service (MABS) to our members to help them make the most of their money. Find out more about it here.
For more information about Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, you can visit the official website here.
Unless you’re a professional gardener – or an extremely committed amateur – chances are you’ve only done the bare minimum to maintain your garden over the winter months.
If that’s the case, now is the perfect time to head outside and give your garden some TLC in time for summer, so brush the cobwebs off your lawnmower and get your green space sorted out with our top gardening advice.
There’s only one place to start and that’s with a little spring cleaning. After months of rain and frost, weeding, cleaning garden furniture, mending and repainting old fencing, sweeping and washing down decking and trimming hedges should all be high on your jobs list.
Tidying up borders and any flower beds is a good idea too. Remove old blooms and prune any untidy shrubs while you’re at it – this will let you see exactly where the gaps are and allow you to plan what plants you need to fill them.
The lawn’s not going to cut itself, so it’s time to fire up the mower.
If your lawn’s been badly neglected over winter, you may need to take some steps beyond simply cutting it. Rake any dead grass off the surface to allow new grass to grow freely, then sprinkle grass seed on any bare patches. Finally, treat the grass with lawn feed to make it thicker and greener.
Even if you remembered to clean and dry your tools before you put them away last winter, they’re probably going to need cleaning and sharpening before you use them again.
Start off by cleaning everything with a firm brush, then sharpen as necessary – this guide from the RHS shows you how. You should also clean any old grass from the blades and underside of your lawnmower and make sure the cable is still in one piece.
Gardens are all about plants, flowers and colour so have a look on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration and don’t be afraid to emulate what you see.
Go for a combination of colours and heights, with the taller plants at the back and smaller ones further forward. Alternatively, if you like to cook, why not create a herb garden? Not only do they look great, they smell nice too!
What do we want? Barbecues!
What don’t we want? To invite people round for a barbecue only to discover that it has bits of cooked-on sausage all over it and needs cleaning before you can use it!
Save yourself the embarrassment by cleaning your grill racks and any equipment – like tongs – using one of these simple methods today.
Take everything out of your shed and get rid of anything you don’t use or that’s broken beyond repair. While it’s still empty, give it a thorough sweep and check for any loose panels or roof damage, making repairs where necessary. Touch up any paintwork in need of some TLC while you’re at it.
As well as improving the appearance of your property, gardening offers lots of additional benefits, such as improving your mental health and providing good exercise.
At Leeds Credit Union, one of our loans can help you create the garden of your dreams. We have loans available from £250 to £25,000 – find out more here.
Whether you enjoy a brisk hike at the weekend or only walk when you absolutely have to, for most of us, walking is a part of everyday life, and one that delivers a whole host of benefits to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Walking even helps prevent some diseases and can prolong your life, with evidence from cardiovascular research charity The Heart Foundation showing that walking every day can reduce the risk of heart disease by 35% and Type 2 diabetes by as much as 40%.
That’s why National Walking Month 23 is so vital.
Taking place throughout May, National Walking Month was designed to raise awareness of walking’s benefits and encourage people to get their steps in more regularly by pledging to walk for at least 20 minutes every day this month.
In addition to being great for your physical – and mental – wellbeing, walking is also one of the best activities that families can do together and, if you’re lucky enough to live in Yorkshire, you have some of the UK’s finest walking destinations right on your doorstep.
However, with so many fantastic locations to choose from, it can be difficult deciding where to go. We’ve picked out three of the best to help make your mind up for you!
One of Yorkshire’s most popular destinations, Malham Cove is a stunning limestone formation that was formed more than 12,000 years ago.
Situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the cove is perfect for walkers, with enough breathtaking views of cliffs, wildlife, woodland and waterfalls to keep even the most reluctant walker entertained.
Malham Cove, Malham, Skipton. BD23 4DJ.
People come from far and wide to walk around Ilkley Moor and enjoy its ancient monuments, prehistoric rock carvings and bird-watching opportunities. And, with the peaceful spa town of Ilkley just a short walk away, visitors aren’t short of options if they fancy some food and drink to fuel their walk or relax with afterwards.
Ilkley Moor, Ilkley. LS29 9RF.
If it’s some wild coastline you’re after, look no further. Flamborough Head offers incredible views of rugged white cliffs, lighthouse towers, windswept paths and a multitude of nesting seabirds, with walks of varying difficulties guaranteed to blow the cobwebs away whatever your fitness level.
Flamborough Head, Bridlington. YO15 1AR.
With the ongoing cost of living crisis causing many households undue stress, there’s never been a better time to gather up your family and head to the great outdoors for some fresh air, a bit of exercise and some amazing views.
If you’re currently experiencing financial difficulties, find out how one of our affordable family loans could help you by clicking here.
Saturday the 6th of May marks the Coronation of King Charles III and, to commemorate the occasion, many people are planning on organising events in their street to celebrate with their neighbours, friends and family. If you’re one of them, check out our advice on ensuring your party goes to plan.
Once you’ve decided where your party will take place, the first thing you’ll need to do is decide who to invite. This should be pretty straightforward as you’ll be expected to invite everyone on your street. If your street is on the smaller side, you can easily extend the invitations to cover one or two adjoining streets.
Try to send the invitations out as soon as possible to allow your guests time to reply and make any necessary arrangements. The easiest way to do this is by setting up a WhatsApp group for local residents; if a significant number of your neighbours don’t use WhatsApp, you can always use the more traditional method of putting up flyers or making leaflets and popping them through your neighbours’ doors.
Once you know how many people are attending, it’s time to let the council know if you’d like to put a temporary road closure in place.
Now you know which streets are taking part, it’s time to start decorating! Red, white and blue bunting is essential and can either be bought cheaply or handmade by you and your neighbours.
Other popular decorations include Union Jack coloured flags and tablecloths, and red, white and blue ribbons and balloons. If you’re having tables, bring them to life using flowers picked from local gardens and displayed in jars or vases.
Arguably the most important aspect of the street party is the menu, so plan what you’ll be serving in advance to make it as hassle-free as possible.
Your best bet is to ask everyone to bring a dish or jug of drink but remember to find out who’s bringing what so they don’t all bring the same thing! As the King is the star of the show, use His Majesty as the theme – things like cucumber, coronation chicken or egg and cress sandwiches, Victoria sponge cake and Pimms will all go down well.
You’ll also need to supply any necessary cutlery, plates, drinks receptacles and food storage, avoiding glass items wherever possible, as well as deciding where to position tables and chairs and ensuring you have enough to go around.
Food, drink and decorations are all important but you’ll need to make your street party entertaining if you want people to stay the course. It’s a good idea to set up a TV so everyone can watch the official celebrations live but you should also prepare some games for your guests to play, especially if children will be in attendance.
Games like skittles and bowls are easy to set up in the street, as is cricket if you have enough players and a ball soft enough not to damage any property or cars. You could also provide chalk so kids can draw their own hopscotch boards on the pavement, host a royal quiz or play a giant game of hide and seek. If you have a grassy communal area you could even arrange a tug of war!
You’ll also need to prepare a playlist for the day. Try to keep it neutral, with well known songs everyone can enjoy. Just remember not to play it at ear-splitting volume or keep it going after the kids have gone to bed.
We love a good celebration at Leeds Credit Union and we can’t wait for the Coronation parties to begin. We’d love to see the pictures of your parties so remember to share them on our social media channels!