Event site licensing

How to apply for an event licence

All event organisers must receive prior permission from the council before their event can take place, and are bound by the conditions stated within the Site License agreement.

The first step is to read through our toolkit and all other relevant guidance documents or legislation.

The next step is to complete the Event Site Licence application form (msword, 1.4 MB), which should be returned completed and with all supporting paperwork according to the timescales

Once submitted, your application will undergo thorough checks by relevant council services and other organisation such as the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services. When everyone is satisfied that your event will be safe and well managed, your license can go forward for approval.

New opening hours

Please note, we now have extended opening hours. You can find the details in our contact information section.

Ashton Court and The Downs

Please refer to the Ashton Court or The Downs pages for details about holding events at these locations.

Ashton Court is running a pilot scheme for professional dog walkers and trainers. More information can be found on our Ashton Court Estate page

Is your event site available?

You can check the availablity of some of our park spaces with our park events diary.

Don't forget

There are common parts of the application form that people forget to to fill in. They are:

• Stewards - please advise the number of staff working on your event to make it safe.

• Lost children steward details - all events with children attending must have at least one lost children steward  - please supply a name and date of birth for Police checks.

• Risk assessment - failure to supply a risk assessment will result in your application being refused.

• Site map - please supply a map showing the location of your event

• First Aid - please advise your first aid provision on the day.

This applies to both Park Permits and Event Site Licences.

It helps us here in the office if you do not staple or bind your application. Thankyou.

City centre spaces

If you are thinking of holding a marketing and promotional activity, our centre promende is the perfect location. Please see our City Spaces - Centre Promenade page for more information or email the team at city.events@bristol.gov.uk

Bristol – an events friendly city

The Event Site Licensing Office licences and hosts an extensive and diverse annual outdoor events programme, with over 250 festivals and events in its calendar, ranging from major outdoor events such as the Bristol Harbour Festival and St Paul’s Carnival, to touring theatre productions, sporting events, charity fundraisers, community fares, religious festivals and arts trails.

We also:

• Act as a one-stop-shop for all event organisers in the city
• Liaise with the emergency services and other council departments to make the process easier
• Organise and chair the monthly Safety Advisory Group for Events (SAGE)
• Develop systems and information to make the licensing process easier for all concerned
• Make sure that all events taking place on council land are safe for the event staff and visitors
• Make sure that local residents and businesses near to larger events are kept informed of all the events taking place in their area