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This year, there are likely to be more local events than ever.

There have been so many restrictions over the past couple of years thanks to the pandemic, and people want to meet up with their community once again. Add in the small matter of the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth and there are lots to celebrate. However, there can be a lot of things you need to think about when holding a public event.  Here, we look at a few key pointers to bear in mind to make sure it is a success.

Get the necessary permissions

If you plan to hold an event on the street or in a public park, you must first obtain permission from your local council. Contact the council’s events, parks, or communities section for further information. Make sure that you contact them as soon as possible because it takes time for them to thoroughly assess your request.

The amount of time required to evaluate an application varies from council to council, and you can find out how long it will take on their respective websites. To do so if the location is not on council land, you will need permission from the owner, which may include housing associations, educational institutions, or commercial enterprises. As soon as you file an application, your council will begin working with you to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely; therefore, the sooner you contact them, the more they can do to assist you in making it a reality.

Health and safety

If the event is being held on private land such as a field or garden, the activities associated with the community event are the responsibility of the event organizer and the individuals who participate in it. If someone is injured due to a hazard on the land that you own, you will be held liable. Make sure any hazards are properly indicated. You should, however, be sure that you are pleased with the safety precautions taken by the event’s organiser before proceeding.

Think about what will make it a more enjoyable experience for visitors?

Providing toilets and, given current circumstances, hand washing and sanitizing facilities is a must if you want your visitors to have a good time – and make sure that you keep them clean. You will also want to think about food. Is there somewhere where they can get something to eat and drink without having to win the lottery to pay for it? If it is likely to be muddy or soft underfoot, it might be worth looking at finding a bog mat supplier to provide you with bog mats to make it a little more accessible and stop it from becoming a mudbath.

Charging for events

If you are organising a community event, you should avoid attempting to make a profit from it, as fees for road closures are unlikely to be reduced for profit-making activities. You might, on the other hand, request donations or host a raffle on the day of the event to assist defray the costs of holding the event. Of course, if it is on private land, you can charge for entry.

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