HEADINGTON residents are hoping to celebrate 2012 with a “festival” of street parties.

The area is planning to come alive with parties over the Jubilee weekend of Saturday, June 2, to Tuesday, June 5.

Patrick Coulter, of Headington Action, said: “We are hoping to out-do all the other areas of Oxford this year.

“I think we had nine street parties in 2011 and this year we are hoping that pretty much every street in Headington will be attached to a party.

“Our job is going to be putting people together to encourage them to get going.”

Mr Coulter, who lives in Stapleton Road, said street parties really could make a difference.

He said: “People really do get to know each other far more quickly.”

And once a street has had one party, Mr Coulter hopes they will be encouraged to keep organising them.

This week Oxford Streets for People launched its campaign to get residents partying throughout the year.

Co-ordinator Richard Bradley is hoping 2012 will be a bumper year thanks to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

He said: “I’m very pleased that Headington has got the ball rolling.

“In the last couple of years there have been a lot of street parties there and the support of Headington Action is very much welcome.”

Oxford Streets for People, which is part of the civic society, will be offering help and advice to any streets in the city wishing to hold a party.

Already Risinghurst and Sandhills Parish Council has organised a party with fancy dress and live music on the local playing fields on Monday, June 4.

There will also be a best-dressed house competition for homes decorated with flags and bunting.

* Headington Action is holding an informal meeting on Monday, February 20 at 7.30pm in the Baptist Church on Old High Street where people can discuss organising a party in their street.