Greenwich Council has waived fees for people who want to host street parties to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day – but interested residents have just a week to apply.
Four days of events will be held across the country from May 5 to May 8, including a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, and 30,000 ceramic poppies installed at the Tower of London.
Street parties are also being encouraged – and Greenwich has dropped fees for events that are being held on Monday May 5, a bank holiday.
However, residents have to get in touch by noon on Friday March 28 to qualify.
Commemorations were muted for the 75th anniversary in 2020 as the date fell during the first coronavirus lockdown.
The decision to waive street party fees appears to be a late change of heart. The Greenwich Wire understands that a resident of one street in Charlton was recently quoted £1,500 to issue the traffic order to close the road.
When asked about this, a council spokesperson said that people who had been quoted fees for VE Day parties had been contacted to let them know about the U-turn.
Neighbouring Bexley announced on Wednesday that it was waiving fees for parties on May 5.
To apply for a street party in Greenwich, visit the council website.
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