Richmond Events in Parks Policy Consultation

Opens 11 Aug 2025

Closes 5 Oct 2025

Overview

We’re updating Richmond’s Events in Parks Policy and want to hear your views. 

We want to make the borough green, safe and fair. That means supporting people to: 

  • get active, 
  • enjoy local events, 
  • and take part in the local social and cultural life. 

Events in our greenspaces and along the towpaths play an important role in this. 

Richmond has some of the highest satisfaction ratings for greenspaces in London. These spaces are important for everyone. We care for them so that everyone can enjoy them - now and in the future. 

Why we're updating the policy

The council approved the current policy in 2012. Since then, the way people 

  • plan,
  • run, 
  • and take part in events has changed. 

That’s why we’re updating the policy. 

The draft policy covers how we will: 

  • support vibrant and community events 
  • keep our greenspaces safe and welcoming for all 
  • protect our greenspaces during events 
  • have events in more parts of Richmond so everyone can get to them 
  • ask commercial event organisers to offer discounts for people who need them 

To read the draft Events in Parks policy document, please click here.

Summary of key updates:

The draft policy introduces several key updates in line with best practice guidance from Parks for London, including: 

  • Protect our green spaces with measures like a cap on the number of event days, curfews, limits on audience sizes, and protection of habitats.
  • Support sustainable events by asking organisers to reduce waste, limit air pollution, encourage public transport and add social value back to the community. 
  • Increase social value by offering discounted tickets for eligible residents and promoting inclusive, accessible events. 
  • Encourage community benefit by supporting events that bring people together and reflect the diversity of Richmond. 
  • Improve the application process so it’s clearer and easier for event organisers to follow. 

You can read the Equality Impact Assessment here which details the impact the draft policy may have on groups with protected characteristics.

Who we want to hear from 

We want to make sure this policy works for everyone. That’s why we are actively seeking feedback from: 

  • Anyone who uses our parks or open spaces 
  • Anyone who attends, organises or takes part in community events 
  • Anyone who may be impacted by events  
  • Anyone who needs additional support to access our parks and events 
  • Local businesses who want to see higher footfall and harness the benefits of the events 

Alongside this survey, we are running focus groups with targeted groups to ensure we hear from a diverse range of voices. We plan on engaging with residents and stakeholders for the next eight weeks. 

How we will use your feedback 

Your views will help shape the final version of the policy. At the end of the consultation, we will: 

  • Analyse all survey responses and engagement feedback 

  • Write a report summarising key themes and concerns 

  • Use the findings to refine the policy before councillors make a final decision 

We’re committed to making this process open and inclusive—and to making sure Richmond’s parks and open spaces continue to be welcoming places for everyone to enjoy. 

Have your say

Please complete this consultation by selecting the 'Online survey' link below. If you need to request a paper questionnaire or any other format, please contact consultation@richmond.gov.uk or call 020 8891 1411 quoting Events in Parks Policy Consultation.

Give Us Your Views

This activity will open on 11 Aug 2025. Please come back on or after this date to give us your views.

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Open to all

Interests

  • Richmond Borough