Events in Parks Policy Consultation

Closed 12 May 2025

Opened 7 Apr 2025

Contact

Any queries please contact:

020 8871 6000

consult@wandsworth.gov.uk

Results updated 15 Jul 2025

You said, we did

Between 7 April 2025 and 12 May 2025, Wandsworth Council carried out a public consultation regarding its draft Events in Parks, Commons, and Open Spaces policy. The draft policy published for consultation proposed updates to the policy which was last revised in 2014.

There were 833 responses to the online questionnaire and an additional 66 responses by email. You can find the full consultation report at the bottom of this page.

Following the consultation, we made several changes to the policy before the final policy was agreed by the Cabinet on 14 July 2025.

Appendix 1 to the Cabinet report shows the original 2014 policy, the draft we published for consultation, and the adopted final policy side by side.

Key changes include:

  • Making clearer that no events over 10,000 attendees will be permitted in any greenspaces other than Battersea Park.

  • Restricting events on Wandsworth Common to Category A events only, limiting attendee numbers to 2,499.

  • 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 update sustainable event management requirements as this area of event management is constantly evolving and we want events to be as sustainable as possible.

  • Increasing democratic oversight by requiring officers to consult with the relevant Cabinet member before taking certain decisions under the policy.

  • Retaining the policy clause in the 2014 policy that limits the use of sports pitches for events.

  • Requiring event organisers to minimise the time it takes them 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 greenspaces.

Overview

Update 25/04: We have created an FAQ's document which we may add to throughout the engagement process. To view the FAQ's, please click here.

--

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. 

Why we're updating this policy

The current policy, last updated in 2014, needs a refresh to better balance event opportunities with protecting green spaces and minimising disruption to local communities.  

The draft policy sets out how we will support vibrant, community focused events while keeping our award-winning parks and open spaces safe, sustainable, and accessible for all. 

Whether you love cultural celebrations or community gatherings, or the natural environment of your local park, this consultation is your chance to help shape the future of events in Wandsworth’s parks, commons and open spaces.

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.

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Open to all

Interests

  • Wandsworth Borough