Organise an activity in a park

If your activity isn't in the list on this page, you can go ahead and enjoy our parks.

Types of events you need permission for

• Health and wellbeing activities (free and commercial)
• School sports days
• Outdoor education sessions for schools
• Markets, concessions, and park cafés.

When your event needs permission

For some types of activities you may need to submit an applications. This is to make sure that:

• activities are safe for everyone
• money made from commercial or private events goes back into our parks to help maintain them
• someone is accountable if any damage is caused to park assets, such as trees, grass or benches, or if activities upset other park users or local residents. 

You need to apply for permission if your activity includes:

• more than 50 people attending
• amplified music
• professional caterers
• temporary structures such as bouncy castles or gazebos
• gas-fired barbecues
• the activity could cause harassment, alarm or distress to other park users or local residents.

How to apply for permission

1. Contact us to find out about availability and fees

Email park.events@islington.gov.uk to check if the site is available to hire or want to check costs before you apply.  

2. Register on EventApp 

Once we've confirmed that the park is available and suitable for your event, you’ll need to register on EventApp, our park events booking site. Registration is quick and easy and we'll keep your details for any future events you want to run.

3. Complete your online application

You'll need to send your application with your public liability insurance and other documents such as an event plan, site plan and risk assessment. Download templates for these on EventApp.

We’ll need these documents:

• 45 days before the event date for events that need a licence (for example, events including music, performance or sale of alcohol)
• 90 days before the event date for events attracting over 1,000 people or need a public consultation first. 

You may also need to sentd more information and apply for other licenses or permits.

Health and safety at events in Islington is vital - use our event conditions for more information to make sure your event is safe.

We also want events in Islington to be accessible to as wide a range of people as possible. Read our accessibility guide.

4. After you've applied

When you submit your application, you will get an email confirming we have received it. This does not mean you have booked the space. We aim to discuss the next steps with you in a week, although it may take longer.

When we have all the information we need your application will go through a consultation lasting at least two weeks before we make a final decision.

If your event is likely to have a significant impact on the site or surrounding area, you may be have to meet with the Safety Advisory Group before we give permission and we may extend the consultation period. 

5. Pay for your event

You need to pay application fees when you send your application. Final payments of any other fees should be paid two weeks before the start date of the event. You will need your EventApp reference number. 

Pay for a park event

Health and wellbeing activities

Free activities

We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents. We encourage local people and organisations to hold health or wellbeing sessions in our parks that are free to attend. Studies have shown that time spent in parks can: 

• support your mental wellbeing 
• help to reduce obesity, diabetes, heart disease and the impact of dementia 
• increase physical activity levels, which has extra health benefits
• bring people together.

We won't charge for your event if any of these apply but email us at park.events@islington.gov.uk to confirm that:

• the event aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people taking part
• all sessions are free
• there will be fewer than 50 people, including those running it
• there will be no temporary structures
• there's no amplified music or catering.

The sports day application process is separate to other events.

Commercial activities

You don't need a license for commercial wellbeing events, but this may change in the future. Make sure you don't damage anything in the park, and choose quieter times of the day to hold the event. Be aware that other park users have the right to use the park and your session should not stop their use of the space.

School sports days

Use this application form and email it to parks.services@islington.gov.uk. They will be able to check availability and confirm the booking.

Outdoor education sessions for schools

Islington’s parks and green spaces are home to a great range of wildlife. Many parks have wildlife-friendly features such as trees, shrubs, ponds, meadows and flower borders. These attract birds, bats, foxes, amphibians (like frogs) and invertebrates (such as butterflies and insects).

Our parks and green spaces are wonderful places to explore nature and we are working with The Garden Classroom on outdoor education sessions in the borough, including at the Islington Ecology Centre. To arrange a school visit to a park or green space, email GreenSpace@islington.gov.uk.

Barbecues

We are reviewing our policy on barbecues, including the impacts that barbecues have on our green spaces and people who use them as well as environmental issues.

You can't use a barbecue i our parks until this review is complete. Gas barbecues are only permitted as part of an approved event and you will have to pay to use one. Find out more about barbecues in parks.

Markets, concessions, and park cafes

Email public.realm@islington.gov.uk if you are applying to:

• have a regular market
• have a concession in a park (like an ice cream van)
• manage one of the park cafes.

Contact us

To contact us, email park.events@islington.gov.uk or text 'Greenspace' and your message to 80800.