Hold an event in a park or open space
Parks and open spaces are perfect venues for all types of events.
In order to host an event you must first seek permission from the Council by completing the application as detailed below.
Holding an event
An “event” is defined as:
- a gathering of 50 or more persons, or
- where infrastructure (including gazebos, marquees or furniture) is brought to site, or
- where activities are proposed (licensable or otherwise) which may constitute as an event (at the discretion of the Officer in Charge)
All events need to be approved before commencement.
Any event taking place without proper approval will be stopped and this may affect future event applications
Our parks and open spaces are not available for private hire.
All events must be accessible to the public either free of charge or ticketed. (Westlands Playing Field is available for private use under certain circumstances)
Hiring Council managed land is subject to hire fee. This is based on the fees and charges agreed by the Council.
If you are unsure if your proposal will be classed as an event, please email events@havering.gov.uk with details before you apply.
Who can apply using this form?
This application is only for events taking place on Council owned parks and open spaces.
Street events
If your event will utilise or impact the use of local roads or pedestrian areas, you will need to see permission from Highways Management. Email highways@havering.gov.uk
Sport pitches
If you wish to hire a sports pitch email pitchlettings@havering.gov.uk
Funfairs and circuses
Use this application and contact the parks department for more details
Fitness training/boot camps
Use this application and contact the parks department for more details
Before you apply
Before you start your application there are several things you must do.
Site visit
Carry out a site visit to your proposed site to consider the layout, access and facilities available. If you have any questions about that please contact events@havering.gov.uk.
If you are not familiar with the parks and open spaces in Havering you may want to view the sites online.
Licensing an event in our parks
If you are planning an event that would include licensable activities such as late night refreshment, the sale of alcohol or regulated entertainment, you will need to either apply for a premises licence or temporary event notice.
Activities covered under regulated entertainment would include recorded and live music, performance of dance, plays, boxing or wrestling, film exhibitions and indoor sporting events.
Please note that a temporary event notice can only be used for a capacity of up to 499 persons.
If capacities are expected to exceed these numbers, you would need to submit an application for a premises licence.
You can find all relevant application forms on our premises licensing page.
You can also contact us with any queries at licensing@havering.gov.uk
Application deadlines
To ensure we have ample time to process an application, please ensure you submit your application and supplementary information in accordance with our timescales.
| Event size category | Overall daily attendance | Application to be received |
|---|---|---|
| Small event | Up to 299 | Minimum of 6 weeks before |
| Medium event | 300 – 4,999 | Minimum of 3 months before |
| Large event | 5,000 – 9,999 | Minimum of 6 months before |
| Major event | More than 10,000 | Minimum of 9 months before |
Event consultation
Based on information supplied by the event organiser, we will consult as required with:
- Councillors
- Safety Advisory Group (SAG)
- Heads of Council Services
Supplementary information you may need to provide when applying
In addition to the event application, event organisers will need to supply supplementary information relevant to their event.
This includes but is not limited to:
- risk assessments
- public liability insurance
- site map (event layout)
- food hygiene certificates if supplying food
Application stages
Fill in the form online or download and return a copy. You can also email events@havering.gov.uk and you will be forwarded an application.
Complete the application and submit all additional supplementary information to the parks department. The hire fee for the event will be discussed and agreed in principle
We will confirm the status of your application eg application accepted or decline. If additional consultation is needed for an event this will occur at this stage.
Once all paperwork has been submitted and event consultation complete, your event will be approved.
Start your application
Or download and return our pdf form
Additional documents
- Park event policy (currently under review)
- Terms and conditions
- Risk assessment template
Advertise your event
Once approved, you can advertise your event on our event calendar
Contact parks
events@havering.gov.uk
01708 434743