Last year, everyone was taken by surprise at the large crowds that attended the first ever Street Party in the High Streetm, Caterham-on-the-Hill.  So much so, the pubs ran out of glasses and beer and the chip shop ran out of chips!   Determined to be better prepared this year, the pubs are stocking up on plastic disposable glasses and the chip shop has ordered 20 extra sacks of potatoes! 

Marisa Ceman, one of the owners of the new Caterham Fish Bar, previously 'Ye Olde Chippy', said:  "We heard about how popular last year's Street Party was, so we are determined to be prepared for a busy afternoon.  Our son will be helping, and my husband Ozzie and I are really looking forward to meeting everyone.  For us it's not about making lots of money on the day, it is more about having the opportunity to say hello to local residents and introduce ourselves." 

Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector, Elaine Burtenshaw, said:  "My officers and I are looking forward to another successful event, same as last year and hope everyone has a really nice time.   Last year's Street Party was incident-free but unfortunately there was some trouble later on in Town End caused by a very few people who carried on drinking until late at the Ex-Serviceman's Club, but that happened long after the Street Party had packed up." 

Chairman of the Caterham Festival and Street Party organiser, Andy Parr, said:  "There are a few things we are doing this year as a result of what we learned at last year's event, for example there will be more bins, and the stalls will be in Town End so they will not be blocking the fronts of shops.  More shops have decided to open this time, which is fantastic – it will be such a great atmosphere.  We will also be closing an hour earlier, at 9pm, and hope everyone leaves quietly and peacefully.  It's going to be a lovely afternoon."