Only two street parties have so far been planned in the Bradford district to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Groups wanting to hold a street party over the Jubilee bank holiday weekend in June have until May 1 to apply to Bradford Council for permission.

Now, civic and religious leaders have urged more residents to get involved with celebrating the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II by organising their own event.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Naveeda Ikram, said: “We are encouraging community groups, local businesses, and organisations to get involved with the Diamond Jubilee. This could be by holding a street party, organising a commemorative project, or taking part in school activities.

“There are already more than 70 events planned across the Bradford district but we would like even more communities to take part in celebrations to mark this historic occasion – the only other Diamond Jubilee celebrated by a British monarch was in 1897 during the reign of Queen Victoria.”

The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend Nick Baines, said: “We have lots of things to celebrate in life but we should never take for granted the 60 years of stability we’ve had with a self-sacrificial monarch who is universally loved and respected. You just have to look around the world to realise the gift the Queen is to us.

“So it would be good to see lots of people marking this Jubilee year with a local celebration – because a community that celebrates together grows together.”

So far, street parties will be held in Wilsden Village Hall and Townsfield Street on June 4 and in Silsden Park on June 2 and 3.

Andrew Conway, who is helping to organise the Silsden event, said: “I think people should get involved and celebrate where they can, whether it is a cul-de-sac with a couple of tables or a huge event.

“In this day and age when there is a lot of negativity about things, let’s get people together to celebrate neighbourly friendship.”

Bradford Council is working with the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, who is the Queen’s representative in the county, to encourage communities to take part in celebrations.

To add an event to Bradford Council’s online calendar, e-mail diamond.jubilee@bradford.gov.uk, phone (01274) 432276, or contact the Council via its Facebook page by searching for Bradford Jubilee. Visit bradford.gov.uk/queensdiamondjubilee to view the calendar.