Guide Organise an event on council land

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12. FAQs

I am thinking of planning an event in an East Devon District Park, do I need permission?

Yes. we manage multiple sites across the district and event organisers will need to apply for permission to hold an event in any of our open spaces, gardens or beaches regardless of the scale of your event. 

I would like to hire a bandstand, how do I do this?

We have two bandstands, one in Exmouth’s Manor Gardens, and the other in Sidmouth’s Connaught Gardens. They are both available to hire all year round. Please complete the application form in the Event Application Process.  

I would like to organise a street party, do I need permission?

Street parties are not covered by us. These will require a road closure via Devon County Council, who you can contact on 0845 155 1004 or on the Devon County Roads and Transport website.

Can I have a BBQ in the park?

We have designated BBQ areas located in the Maer in Exmouth, and Budleigh Salterton’s Lime Kiln Car Park. Private BBQs are not permitted in any of our parks or open spaces. Traders with BBQs at organised events are permitted on a case by case basis – you will need to inform of us of this within your application form.

I would like to do some commercial filming and/or photography on East Devon District Council land, will this be classed as an event and do I need permission?

Whilst neither of these are classed as an event, you do need to contact us for permission at events@eastdevon.gov.uk.

Do you hire out event equipment?

We do not currently have event equipment available for hire. However, we are able to offer help with waste provisions, garden games and chairs. Please contact us at events @eastdevon.gov.uk for more information.

Can you recommend any suppliers or entertainers for my event?

Unfortunately we cannot recommend specific suppliers. However, there are plenty of local businesses within the district and useful websites to help with this information.

Can I promote my event through East Devon District Council?

We have limited message boards located in various parks and open spaces around the district. Whilst we try and support local events as much as possible, we are only able to promote community and charity events by means of posters. If you would like us to display a poster, please contact events@eastdevon.gov.uk.

How far in advance can I plan my event?

Events can be booked up to 18 months in advance. Our 2026 event calendar will open at 9am on 1 June 2024. We will not accept any applications for events in 2026 before this time. If you believe your event requires a longer notice period than this, please get in touch with us at events@eastdevon.gov.uk.