Millions take to streets and party

MORE than six million people will get together for street parties tomorrow to mark the 10th Fête des Voisins.

The party is spreading throughout Europe, too. Last year the six million French people taking part were joined by another two million in other countries.

A recent survey found 93% of people felt they had good relations with their neighbours. Good neighbours are discreet and polite – bad neighbours are noisy, nosy or impolite.

Nearly three-quarters say they have already been invited round to neighbours’ houses and the Fête des Voisins is a chance to boost that number.

Parties are organised in streets, in apartment blocks and in offices and factories.

Newcomers get a chance to meet neighbours over a glass of wine or a shared meal.

Organisers say getting a party together is as simple as putting up a poster, speaking to neighbours about preparing some food and drink and then putting out tables and chairs in the garden or in the hallway of an apartment.