The next time I write this column, England may well have won the World Cup. Let's keep our fingers crossed for tonight's semi-final.

Already, we have seen people come together behind coach Gareth Southgate and our national team on their way to the semi-final.

It's not just a major sporting event that brings people together. I was at Accrington Cricket Club for the 20/20 cricket. Sunshine, drinks, friendly faces, food, cricket.

During the summer every year, I have also had the pleasure of visiting many local community carnivals, galas, festivals and shows across the patch. Only last weekend I went to Rishton Festival, which was well attended and full of many stalls representing a vast array of things going on in the area.

In response to the Mary Portas Town Centre's review by the government, I remember one quote which said town centres should be places where people meet. We need to roll back Thatcherism, end the idea that life is about stuff (and individualism) and build a future based on people and relationships.

For what may seem like a day of fun in the sun it is the brilliant volunteers who enjoy being with others and bringing sunshine into their own and other people's lives.

There are many generous residents who give their time and expertise for no payment or recognition to make these days happen. Their passion lies in the community they contribute towards and rely on in tough times.

Their fuel is the pride they have for where they live and call home. People pulling for each other. Volunteering equalling happiness.

These good people have a lot of challenges in organising a festival that usually includes navigating lots of health and safety rules and administration with local councils.

This is why I back support from local councils and even the Government to help more people organise events. Did you know that you can find advice to set up your own street party on gov.uk? You can find out more at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, even volunteer!

Bring neighbours together makes for a better society. Stronger bonds between people who live in the same area. Breaking down barriers of age (or at the moment those who can remember 1966 and those who cannot), religion and race are vital to ensure our areas are safer to live in.

If you go to an event this summer, think about what you can do to help next year. Your involvement may be key to make sure it happens. Say with pride "I am a community volunteer!".

https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering/i-want-to-volunteer