Holding your event in a park or public space

Our parks and public spaces are the perfect venue for a range of public and private events.  For many events, venue hire is free of charge.  Events could include:-

• Community Fun days
• Personal Fitness & sporting activities
• Birthday parties & large picnics
• Building or Bandstand hire
• Music Festivals
• Film and other media
• Helicopter and Balloon flights

Events can take a lot of planning and we strongly recommend that you allow yourself plenty of time from your initial enquiry to the event date.

For large events and sporting activities, you will need to provide more information including evidence of insurance, risk assessments, an event management plan and a site map.

To enquire about venue availability please fill in the Event Request Form with as much detail as possible.

What to expect

After completing the Event Enquiry Form:

1. You will instantly receive an automated acknowledgment confirming your enquiry has been submitted.
2. Within five working days you will receive notification whether the date and location is available and whether there is a hire fee.
3. Depending on the nature of your enquiry:

   • If no further information is required and you agree to the hire fee (if any) you will receive confirmation that the event can go ahead

   • If we require further information, you will receive a request identifying what documentation is needed and this may include completing a more detailed application form.  Once we receive this information, we will then process your application and send a confirmation letter.  We aim to do this within fifteen working days

   • For commercial filming you will be asked to supply a risk assessment and evidence of your public liability insurance

If you have not heard from us within five working days, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hire fees

The hire fee for holding an event is dependent on the type, scale and duration of the activity and its impact on other park users.  

Some facilities / activities have standard charges, see the table below. 

* Please note that there is an additional charge for bookings outside of core staff hours of £25 per booking to cover staff call out costs.

** Please note there is 50% reduction for charitable organisations who benefit the City

All other activities where fees apply are subject to negotiation on receipt of your application form.