GOLDEN Jubilee street party organisers are being offered insurance against the British weather.
Swindon-based Zurich Financial Services says it will pay up if celebrations next month are a wash out.
So far Swindon Council has received 25 applications for street parties over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend of June 3.
The company's Pluvius abandon-ment policy will cover against rain-cancelled events.
All provable out-of-pocket expenses, including equipment hire, catering, entertainment and public liability will be covered.
For example, if expenses total £2,500, Zurich will insure 80 per cent of the costs for a premium of £210.
The company will only pay out if the party has to be completely cancelled. Once an event starts the policy becomes void.
Zurich insurance manager John Lear said: "Unpredictable weather is a part of life in Britain just ask any Wimbledon tennis commentator. You can't ensure good weather, but you can insure against bad.
"Insuring against bad weather means that if an event gets called off the organisers can recoup some or all of their expenses. We have had inquiries from people across the country, including individuals and councils.
"There are certain types in insurance people must have, but this is optional.
"However, it is a safeguard. The weather in the South West has always been wetter than other places."
The organiser of one of the biggest street parties in the borough said the insurance option was a great idea.
Julie Burrows, 38, who is currently putting the finishing touches to the Ermin Street celebrations on June 3, said: "It's a great idea and I think I'll give Zurich a call.
"The street party committee looked at getting insurance, but we haven't done anything about it to be honest we've been so preoccupied with trying to sort out other details.
"I suppose it's well worth doing. For something to be rained off after all the preparation and hard work would be annoying."
The extravagant party is expected to attract around 1,500 people and will cost nearly £3,500 to stage, including the £855 charge by Swindon council to close off the road.
A Beatles tribute band, a bagpiper, African dancers and a pig spit roast are some of the attractions.
The deadline for Pluvius insurance applications is Friday.
The bad news for those looking forward to parties in the borough is that the UK's weather usually comes from the west.
Meteorological Office spokesman Sean Clarke said: "The weather in June can either be very good or absolutely awful but it's too far ahead to be able to tell what it's going to do.
"Anyone who is holding an open air event over the jubilee weekend is in the lap of the gods. You can never rely on the weather in this country.
"It really is a lottery the weather itself doesn't even know what it's going to be doing for the jubilee."
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