THE people of Reading are among the friendliest in the country when it comes to street parties.

According to leaders at the Big Lunch the town is the third most popular place in the nation for a community celebration.

It comes as this weekend will see a whole host of neighbourhoods come together to celebrate the Queen's 90th Birthday.

After Reading Borough Council waived the normal fees for a road closure a total of 25 streets will be hosting events.

Kicking off last weekend with celebrations to tie in with Eat Reading, residents have already got into the spirit This Saturday and Sunday will see further parties with families and neighbours safe to cook up a treat and play games without the need to worry about cars.

Councillor Tony Page, Reading’s lead member for strategic environment, planning and transport, said: "I'm delighted so many neighbours in Reading have taken up the opportunity to hold free street parties and have shown us to be one of the most sociable town’s in the UK.

"Street parties are a fantastic way for friends, neighbours and families to get together and allow children to play outside without any worries about traffic.

"I hope everyone involved in a street party in the borough has a wonderful time."

There will also be events on Saturday [11] at the Emmer Green Recreation Ground from 3pm to 7pm and at Chiltern Road Recreation Ground, in Caversham, from 11am to 5pm.

The Big Lunch was launched in 2009 with the aim of bringing neighbours together to help make their communities friendlier and better connected places to live.

This year, the event coincides with the Queen’s official 90th birthday on June 11.

Reading is behind only Lincoln and Plymouth in the Big Lunch table of towns and cities hosting the most street parties.

Are you hosting a street party this weekend? Share your photos on our Facebook page or to news@readingchronicle.co.uk and the best will get published in next week's Reading Chronicle.