Dewsbury one of 20 towns to get jubilee party cash

It is one of 20 towns nationwide being given money to make sure no-one misses out on the chance of a good old-fashioned street party.

But it seems there’s no such thing as a free lunch – in return for the cash, local volunteers are expected to organise the festivities themselves.

The 20 towns will share a pot of £185,000 from the government to help them plan and hold street parties.

It’s all part of the Big Jubilee Lunch, a nationwide event being organised by the Eden Project which will see towns up and down the country get out the bunting and cakes on Sunday June 3.

The towns getting the cash were chosen so hard-to-reach areas didn’t miss out.

The Eden Project looked at factors like a lack of previous community events and deprivation levels when selecting the 20 towns.

It’s hoped by helping people run their own parties, the project will boost community involvement for years to come.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “I’m delighted that the Eden Project is helping the government ensure that these communities are not left out when it comes to the biggest celebration of the year.

“By supporting them to take the lead and organise their own Big Jubilee Lunch rather than having it laid on for them, we are paving the way for ongoing community action.

“People in these areas will realise that together they have the know-how and power to take charge of what happens in their local area.”

The Eden Project’s director of campaigns Peter Stewart said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to support communities across England and help them to create their own, unique Big Jubilee Lunch.”