Dorset Council is encouraging residents to start planning their own street parties for the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort.

It will be celebrated across the country and marked with a three-day bank holiday weekend from Saturday, May 6 to Monday, May 8 with opportunities for people to be part of the historic occasion.

You can find out more about the national celebrations on the Royal website at www.royal.uk/coronation-weekend-plans-announced

If you're planning a street party, you will need to apply for a temporary road closure, and more information can be found on the Dorset Council website at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/temporary-traffic-restrictions-for-events

The council is waiving the costs of road closure applications and welcomes residents to apply by March 31. 

Holding a small outside event with neighbours, on private land, does not need council permission. However, if you plan a street party that involves the closure of a public road, the council needs to check the road is suitable.

To find out what's going on across the nation, check out the official website.

The website also has an interactive map which will display events and activities that will be taking place in Dorset, as well as the rest of UK, and you can add details of your own event to the site.

Town and parish councils across Dorset will also be organising events, so keep an eye out for your local information sites to see what's happening near you.

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."

National guidance on organising a street party for the Coronation is available on the government website. 

National events

The Coronation takes place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6. 

The Coronation Big Lunch, on Sunday, May 7, and a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios

The Big Help Out, on Monday, May 8 – visit the 'Big Help Out' website for further information on how you can take part and don't forget to put the date in your diary!  Volunteer Centre Dorset also have hundreds of ideas and projects to get involved with. Why nor offer your services to the community for a few hours that day?

Funding is available from The National Lottery Community Fund website for voluntary and community organisations to hold events.