Long drives and a fear of gatecrashers may explain why just 14 royal wedding street parties have been registered with Epsom and Ewell council.

London boroughs have far more planned with Wandsworth and Richmond having as many as 80 registered.

But this may not be a sign that neighbourhood spirit is dying in Epsom or that its residents are anti-royalist.

It would appear that many people living in Epsom’s affluent villages and suburbs have decided to use their spacious drives and lawns to organise parties for friends and neighbours instead of using the streets.

And even those running official parties are keen to keep a low profile for fear of gate crashers. Two organisers who initially contacted this paper subsequently asked us not to publicise the details of their events.

Things were very different in the past. Clive Woodbridge, Chairman of the leisure committee remembers the last major Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana: “Almost everywhere across the country had street parties. It’s a good way of bonding with your local community so I think it would be nice if there were a few of them around.”

Back in 1884 Epsom’s market place was cleared for Queen Victoria’s 1884 golden jubilee celebrations.

David Brooks of Bourne Hall Museum said: “They had all sorts of competitions and games and sang God Save the Queen.”

In Banstead, Christina Cousins, is organising a good old fashioned street party for 250 people complete with bunting, barbeques and Royal Britannia.

“There’s going to be three barbeques and the kids will sit down at about half past three to have their sausage and burgers with their flags and everything.

“We are doing tug of war and old fashioned games that don’t cost any money.

“The music will be Rule Britannia and all very traditional.

So far 250 residents have donated £5 to cover the cost of the celebrations.

“Any money that is left over will go to the help the heroes’ charity.”

Without any bus routes or bin men to overcome, Christina has found it easy to plan her party.

“The council gave us a print out of what we needed to do and everyone could go online and download that.

“As long as we keep everything to one side for emergency services its ok.

More than just a party, Christina says the celebrations are bringing her community together.

“It’s bringing the whole road together.”

A spokesperson for Epsom and Ewell Borough Council said: “Street parties are not only a great way to mark this royal occasion, but are also a fantastic opportunity to spend time getting to know neighbours better.

“We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable celebration.”

The Epsom Guardian will be running a special feature on royal wedding parties in its May 5 edition. Please send your pictures and stories to Lauren May at lmay@london.newsquest.co.uk.