Events in Parks Policy Consultation

Overview

We know how much residents value our brilliant parks and open spaces, and we want them to be at the heart of Welcome to Wandsworth 2025, a celebration of our borough’s traditions, festivals, food, and arts. Culture brings joy, improves wellbeing, and strengthens communities. Events in parks and green spaces can play a central role in this. 

From Battersea Park Fireworks to grassroots community events, Wandsworth’s parks are already buzzing with activity. When we developed our London Borough of Culture bid and programme, residents told us that they wanted to see more cultural and community events in parks.

Our new draft policy aims to improve access across the borough, ensuring every corner comes alive in an explosion of creativity - from Roehampton to Battersea, Tooting to Putney. 

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

Summary of key updates:

The revised policy introduces several key updates, including: 

• Allowing more flexibility for events in winter (with safeguards in place) 
• Strengthening protections for ecological areas 
• Requiring event organisers to reduce noise and environmental impact 
• Ensuring ticketed events offer discounts for low-income residents 
• Increasing public consultation and engagement on events in line with our commitment to being a listening council 

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 space
• 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 
• Any other interested party

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 feedback recieved
• Write a report summarising key themes and concerns 
• Refine the Events in Parks policy to reflect the findings of this consultation

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 consult@wandsworth.gov.uk or call 020 8871 6000.