Events in parks or open spaces

To book an event in an Elmbridge park or green space, you must complete an online application. We recommend that you submit your application 6 months in advance for small to medium  events (less than 499 attendees), and 10 months in advance for large events (500 + attendees).

Before you apply

We advise that you visit the site and consider the requirements of the event regarding site layout and topography, access for vehicles and pedestrians, and facilities available.

For more information about your local parks and onsite facilities, please visit the parks, play areas and green spaces directory page. 

If you need further information after your visit, get in touch with us at greenspaces@elmbridge.gov.uk.

Application 

Before you apply, read the policy:

The application process has 2 stages. When we receive your first application, we will review it to assess availability and suitability of the event.

Apply to hold an event in a park or open space 

After you apply

Once your application has been submitted:

• it will be reviewed and assessed and if it successful, we will ask you to provide additional information or more detailed site plans
• you will be invoiced for your event 6 weeks before it is due to start
• your documents must be approved by us at least 16 days before your event is due to take place - the amount of time taken to check your event documentation will depend on the size and nature of the event

Once your documents have been approved and payment has cleared, you will be given final approval for your event to take place.

Information about bookings

We recommend that you don’t advertise your event until we have given written confirmation that your event can go ahead.

It is your responsibility to notify the Police, Environment Agency or other authority if necessary for your event.

If your event takes place within 1 month of another major event at the same venue, we may have to refuse permission or review whether it is suitable for your event to take place. 

Event planning and safety advice

You can find more information in the following resources:

• parks, play areas and green spaces directory for location of parks and open spaces in the borough
• Temporary Event Notices (TENs)        
• Planning Portal: planning permission for event signage 
• risk assessment guidance for events held on council land (PDF, 358.86KB)
• GOV.UK: Organising a voluntary event: a 'can do' guide
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Event safety
• GOV.UK: Mpox (Monkeypox): planning events and mass gatherings