Richmond Events in Parks Policy Consultation

Results updated 23 Jul 2026

Consultation outcome and how feedback shaped the final Events in Parks Policy

We consulted on the draft Events in Parks Policy between August and October 2025. We received 180 survey responses, alongside representations from community organisations, Friends groups, amenity societies and other stakeholders. Most respondents supported the principle of having a clear policy framework that both enables events and protects parks and open spaces.

Respondents highlighted the benefits of events in bringing communities together and providing cultural, recreational and charitable opportunities. Community events, theatre performances and markets were the most popular event types. Residents also emphasised the importance of protecting biodiversity, managing noise and litter, limiting disruption to regular park users and ensuring that larger events are carefully controlled.

We carefully considered all consultation responses and used this feedback to refine and strengthen the final policy. The policy has evolved in a number of areas to respond to concerns raised while maintaining its overall aim of enabling well-managed events that provide benefits for communities, local businesses and visitors.

In response to feedback, we made a number of key changes to the policy:

  • Strengthening the involvement of tree and ecology experts in assessing event sites before and after events.
  • Making sure that the terms and conditions of hire are updated regularly to reflect evolving sustainable event management requirements.
  • Increasing democratic oversight by requiring officers to consult with the relevant Committee Chair before taking certain decisions under the policy.
  • Requiring event organisers to minimise the time taken to build and remove event infrastructure.
  • Clarifying how the policy relates to licensing, planning and other statutory permissions that may be required for events in green spaces.
  • Enhancing the definition of an event to provide reassurance that certain activities not currently considered an event will not be treated as events under the new policy.
  • Clarifying the relationship between the event application process and the licensing process.

  • Removing site notices for small events to reduce the burden on organisers, many of which are community and volunteer-led organisations.

The final policy reflects the feedback we received through the consultation and seeks to balance access to events with the protection of parks, biodiversity and local communities, ensuring that events can continue to be delivered in a sustainable and well-managed way.

You can access the full consultation report here.

You can access the policy here.

Files:

Closed 5 Oct 2025

Opened 11 Aug 2025

Contact

Any queries please contact:

020 8891 1411

Consultation@richmond.gov.uk

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.

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Open to all

Interests

  • Richmond Borough