diff --git a/bitbake/lib/bb/server/process.py b/bitbake/lib/bb/server/process.py
index 12f368f80f..44b8e4d496 100644
--- a/bitbake/lib/bb/server/process.py
+++ b/bitbake/lib/bb/server/process.py
@@ -229,6 +229,13 @@ class ProcessEventQueue(multiprocessing.queues.Queue):
         except Empty:
             return None
 
+    def getEvent(self):
+        try:
+            return self.get(False)
+        except Empty:
+            return None
+
+
 class BitBakeServer(object):
     def initServer(self):
         # establish communication channels.  We use bidirectional pipes for