What kind of events are likely to be given the go-ahead?
We are interested in events that demonstrate best practice in all aspects of event management. Please check out the page General event organising advice and good practice for guidance on delivering safe and effective outdoor events.
Note, however, that we are restricted as to how many events we can allow to operate in any given space (please see the section on Permitted Development here) and just because an event application falls within our standards and requirements does not mean that it will necessarily be given permission to go ahead.
How far in advance do event organisers need to submit the Event Notification Form?
Please approach us as soon as possible, the bigger the event the more time that will be required to process the application and give it its due consideration. See the table below for the minimum timeframe within which an application should be initiated. Please note that it is not until an Event Notification Form has been submitted that an application will be considered to have been initiated, notwithstanding any contact that may already have taken place with officers. Any late submissions will be subject to a fee of £40 per event, and there is no obligation for us to accept any event request.:
Event type | Size | Number of attendees | Minimum notice of event* |
New event (not held in the District before)
| Medium to Large | 500 – 4,999 | Six months
|
Extra Large and above | 5,000 + | 10 months | |
Event previously held in St Albans District
| Small | 0 – 499
| Two months |
Medium | 500 – 2,499
| Three months | |
Large | 2,500 – 4,999
| Four months | |
Extra large | 5,000 – 19,999 | Six months
| |
Major
| 20,000 + | 10 months |
What are we looking for? Toggle accordion
Any event taking place on SADC-owned or managed land should:
Enhance the District’s cultural offer through provision of a varied programme of activities and events, creating a sense of community pride and vibrancy, and celebrating St Albans as an historic destination with a diverse cultural offering.
Enhance local business by increasing economic activity for the benefit of local businesses.
Promote equality, inclusion and fairness, offering opportunities for local communities to get involved, as well as showcasing home-grown talent and providing opportunities for emerging talent.
Combat the climate emergency by committing to operate as sustainably as possible including encouraging waste reduction, maximising recycling opportunities and the use of sustainable materials [an event sustainability policy is in the process of being developed].
Adhere to relevant legislation and bylaws and be run with due regard to legal requirements including Health and Safety legislation.
Minimise disruption to the local area and community by careful design, location and management.
Minimise, mitigate and manage any negative impact on Council land and the local area, with minimal disruption to the environment and wildlife.
Not discriminate against any group or individual.
Contribute revenue to cover the costs of managing events, for the enhancement of event sites, and to supplement council funding to support the provision of activities and events for the community.
Which events will not be permitted? Toggle accordion
Events that cannot demonstrate that they fulfil any of the criteria outlined above.
Events which fail to comply with the Terms and Conditions. Failure to comply with Terms and Conditions will prejudice future event applications.
Any event which is likely to have an unacceptable impact on the site in which it is held and surrounding area, its infrastructure, biodiversity or existing commercial activities. Events should demonstrate a consideration for the climate emergency, for example through an Ecological Management and Monitoring Plan.
Events operated by organisers who cannot provide the documentation requested by us within the required timescale.
Any event which discriminates against the protected characteristics of an individual or group.
Events organised by extremist organisations as listed by the Government under its list of Proscribed Terrorist Groups or Organisations.
Any event specifically prohibited by a park bylaw.
Political rallies or events organised by groups affiliated with political organisations.
Who makes the decisions about which events get the go-ahead? Toggle accordion
The approval process is as follows:
Verulamium Park:
- Small event: Approved by Officer
- Medium event: Officer approval in consultation with Lead Councillor.
- Large Event and above: Officer approval in consultation with Lead Councillor and Ward Councillors.
Other parks and green spaces:
- Small event below 100 attendees: Approved by Officers
- Small event 100 – 499 attendees: Officer approval in consultation with Lead Councillor.
- Medium event and above: Officer approval in consultation with Lead Councillor and Ward Councillors.
Where one of our open spaces has additional rules or greater protection, approval by the relevant bodies will be required.