Bunting, party kit and more
Bunting is such a traditional part of a British street party, it’s practically compulsory!
A burst of colourful flags will transform your street and the more there are, the better. See our Street Party Guide for Residents for advice on how to organise a party.
Contents
To buy bunting
To buy a wide range of different styles of bunting try this reliable company:
Bristol residents can borrow bunting, road signs & play kits from their local community centres.
‘Road Closed’ signs
can be bought as roll up banners, or proper ones hired locally, or your council may provide them. Read our section about road closures for more details. The larger size 1000mm x 750mm is the normal size.
Think about shelters for rain, wind or sun with a pop-up gazeebo or marquee.
Activities could include games, fancy dress costumes, face-painting or a general party theme.
Food is also great to share.
History of bunting
The use of bunting developed from street dressing which is the origin of street parties. Street dressing at some unknown early time came to be dominated by what we now call bunting. This is usually made of strings of triangular ‘ pennants‘ which were probably originally based on naval signal flags, as below. See more detail here.
Make bunting with neighbours
Be creative with bringing a triangle of material, card or paper to staple to strong string. Or cut out triangles or shapes from fabric or plastic. Hand made bunting example. Then sew, tie, staple, or glue the shapes onto tape or thin rope. Experiment by adding pictures or words, paint, sequins, buttons etc.
