Organise an activity in a park

Hundreds of events take place in Islington parks every year, from private parties to team building days, community and charity events, children’s parties, sporting competitions, sponsored walks and runs, music festivals, corporate events, fun fairs, wedding celebrations and open-air performances.

Types of activities

We categorise events and activities as follows:

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

Information about what you need to do if any of these categories apply to your activity is available on this page.

If your activity does not fall into any of these categories, you can go ahead and enjoy our parks with other park users.

Activities you need permission for

For some types of activities you may need to submit 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. 

If your activity includes any one of the below, we view it as an event and you will need to make an online application:

• 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

Contact us to check if the site is available to hire. There are fees associated with your application and we will provide the costs on application. You can email us before applying if you would like some guidance on prices.  

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 your details will be retained for any future applications. 

3. Complete your online application

So that we can process your application you'll need to send it together with your Public Liability Insurance, and other documents such as an Event Plan, Site Plan and Risk Assessment. There are templates for these documents available to download on EventApp along with other important information about the process and what else you may need to provide. We’ll need these documents:

• 45 days before the event date for licensable events (for example, events including music, performance or sale of alcohol)
• 90 days before the event date for events attracting 1000+ people or those that require public consultation 

You may also be required to submit further information and apply for other separate licenses or permits.

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

We also want events in Islington to be accessible to as wide a range of people as possible. To help with this please read our accessibility guide (link opens as download).

4. After you've applied

When you submit your application, you will get an automated email confirming we have received it. This does not mean you have booked the space. We aim to get in touch with you to discuss the next steps within a week, although at times of high demand this can take longer.

Once we have all the information required, your application will go through a period of consultation of at least two weeks before a decision is made. If your event is likely to have a significant impact on the site or surrounding area, you may be required to meet with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) before permission is granted and the consultation period may be extended. 

5. Pay for your event

Application fees should be paid on submission of your application. Final payments of any other fees should be paid 2 weeks before the event start date. You can pay online. 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, and therefore encourage local people and organisations to hold health or wellbeing sessions in our parks which 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 additional health benefits
• Bring people together 

If your activity meets the following criteria it is unlikely we will charge for your event but please email us at park.events@islington.gov.uk confirming the following:

• The event aims to improve the health and wellbeing of participants
• All sessions are free to attend
• There are under 50 people altogether
• There are no temporary structures
• There is no amplified music
• There is no catering

The sports day application process is separate to other events. 

Register a free health and wellbeing activity

Commercial activities

When it comes to commercial fitness sessions in parks, you currently do not need a license but this may change in the future. Please make sure you do not damage anything in the park and choose quieter times of the day to operate. Be aware that other park users have the right to use the park and your session does not take priority over their casual use of the space.

School sports days

Please use this application form and email the events team. 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, from bumblebees to bats. Despite being in a very urban environment, many parks have wildlife-friendly features such as trees, shrubs, ponds, meadows and flower borders. These attract birds, bats, foxes, amphibians and invertebrates (such as  butterflies).

Our parks and green spaces are wonderful places to explore nature, and we are working with The Garden Classroom to deliver a wide range of 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 currently reviewing our policy on barbecues, including the impacts that barbecues have on our green spaces and users of them, as well as wider environmental issues. Barbecues will not be permitted until this review is complete. Gas barbecues are only permitted as part of an approved event and fees may apply. Find out more about barbecues in parks here.

Markets, concessions, and park cafés

If you are applying to:

• have a regular market
• ave a concession in a park (e.g. an ice cream van)
• manage one of the park cafés

please contact us with the details.

Contact us

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