If you are interested in putting together an event, you'll need to think about insurance, security, licensing and more.
Organising an event
events team
Event applications
If you want to hold an event on our land you will need our permission.
To begin the process, you will need to complete an event enquiry form on the Event App website. You'll need to sign up or log in to your account.
Please provide us with as much detail as possible on the above questions so that we can assess your proposal and get you booked into the calendar.
Once your date is in the calendar you will be invited to begin your application via our online booking portal. During this you will need to provide us with:
- risk assessment for your event
- fire risk assessment for your event
- confirmation that you have public liability insurance for a minimum of £5 million
- a site plan
Through the application you will also need to provide information on security, waste, medical cover and emergency planning.
Depending on your event we might also ask for more information and safety documents.
Full and final applications must be sent to us at least eight weeks before your event. Larger events will need longer lead-in times. However, we recommend sending us your application well before your proposed event date to avoid any issues.
Full and final documentation needs to be submitted:
| Tier | Number of attendees | Submissions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Up to 499 | Eight weeks before |
| 2 | 500 to 2,000 | 14 weeks before |
| 3 | 2,001 to 5,000 | 14 weeks before |
| 4 | 5,001 to 10,000 | 28 weeks before |
| 5 | Over 10,000 | 28 weeks before (may increase depending on event size) |
Please note, applications which do not meet our submission deadlines will be refused.
Fees and charges
A site fee and application fee are required for the use of all North Somerset Council land. Please ensure you are fully aware of all relevant costs on submission of your application. Please note fees and charges will increase on the 1st April in line with the new financial year. Events due to take place after this date will be subject to pay the standard fees and charges set for that period.
You will be asked to pay your application fee on submission of your event, before it can be progressed any further.
Insurance
If you are using our land, property or facilities, you are required to arrange public liability insurance with at least £5m in coverage. The insurance must cover the entire length of the event.
You’ll need to ensure that any third parties, such as contractors and entertainers, also have their own public liability insurance with at least £5m cover.
You’ll need to send proof of your cover, and that of any third parties, to our events teams with your application form.
If you want to include third party risk under your own insurance, you’ll need to send us written confirmation from your insurers.
Policing and security
You will need a fire safety assessment as part of your application that includes:
- measures to reduce the risk of fire breaking out or spreading on the premises
- means of escape from the premises
- measures to ensure that the means of escape can be safely and effectively used at all times
- means for fighting fires on the premises
- means for detecting fire and giving warning in case of fire on the premises
- arrangements for action to be taken in the event of a fire – including the instruction and training of employees – plus measures to minimise the effects of the fire
You’ll also need to include measures for people with special needs.
To find out more, visit the following resources:
Dangerous substances and explosives
Special arrangements must be made for dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres.
Find out more about the regulations on the Health and Safety Executive website.
Licensing (alcohol and entertainment)
If your event is free to enter you will need to apply for street trading consent. You need to do this at least six weeks before your event.
If you want to hold a charity street collection you will need a permit. The permit is free and you will need to apply at least three weeks before your event.
If your event includes the sale of alcohol, entertainment or hot food or drink after 11pm you will need a licence. There are different types of licences depending on our event.
Contact our licensing team to find out what licence you need.
Closing a road
If you want to close a road or introduce a temporary road restriction, you’ll need to apply for council permission. This application must be submitted 12 weeks in advance of your event.
Food safety
Visit the Food Standards Agency website to find information about food health and safety at events.
Fireworks and explosives
If you want to use fireworks or explosives at your event, you’ll need a licence.
Other helpful information
Visit the Business Companion website to find out about legislation on:
- product safety
- weights and measures
- food labelling
- counterfeit goods
- consumer rights and refunds