Southwark is rewriting its rules for big events in Dulwich Park and Peckham Rye. A public survey and drop-ins in the parks are planned for January 2027.
Southwark Council is going to rewrite the rules for big events in its parks, including Dulwich Park and Peckham Rye. Residents should get a survey and drop-in sessions in the parks from January 2027.
The council could also move away from issuing event permits one year at a time. That would mean longer deals with event companies, and it is the biggest idea in the plan.
The executive member for parks and recreation approved the engagement programme on 4 November. The decision can be called in until 11 November and takes effect on 12 November if it is not.
Why the council is doing it
The Outdoor Events Policy dates from 2019, with minor changes up to 2023. The officers’ report says major events have since grown more complex in scale, build and break periods, security and transport.
It is plain about how the current process lands with people. Those living closest to event sites “may experience the greatest impacts”, the report says, “while not always feeling that the benefits of events are shared fairly”.
It also records that:
- residents regularly question how open the council is about the money and how decisions are reached
- stakeholders are frustrated that their input is not seen to be “meaningfully addressed”
- some people hope an objection will decide whether an event goes ahead, when consultation is used to weigh and reduce its impact
- a recent internal audit of the culture and events service asked for clearer monitoring, evaluation and decision-making
What could change
The review covers:
- how events are classified by size
- how applications are processed and judged
- the conditions for Dulwich Park, Peckham Rye Park and Common, Burgess Park and Southwark Park
- how the council consults on detailed plans for each event
- environmental standards
- prices and fees
- what communities get back from events
The report suggests size alone may no longer be enough. The update will ask whether more weight should go on how long a park is occupied, build and take-down time, recovery of the ground, local disruption and community benefit.
Longer deals with event companies
Southwark issues permits a year at a time at present. The report says that repeats the same process every year, squeezes the time for consultation and favours established operators.
Multi-year contracts “could provide greater certainty”, it says, along with stronger chances to negotiate investment, environmental improvements and community benefits.
No such change is being made yet. The survey will seek views on the principles for any future procurement, and any new model would need its own legal, financial and procurement advice and a further decision. But the engagement plan already works towards a “procurement launch”, with framework requirements drafted by March.
The rules as they stand
The report sets out the current size bands, and says they will be tested:
| Class | Audience | Apply by |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 499 | 6 weeks before |
| Medium | 500 to 2,000 | 3 months before |
| Large 1 | 2,001 to 5,000 | 6 months before |
| Large 2 | 5,001 to 8,000 | 9 months before |
| Major | Over 8,000 | 12 months before |
The council’s call for 2026 major commercial events says it has 28 “permitted use” days a calendar year at each location, including build and strike days. Using Peckham Rye Common also needs the Secretary of State’s consent, which the council applies for.
The timetable
| When | What |
|---|---|
| November and December 2026 | Survey and materials drafted and signed off |
| Early January 2027 | Public launch: online hub and surveys open |
| January 2027 | Drop-ins in the main event parks, outreach, organiser survey and interviews |
| By mid-February 2027 | Engagement closes |
| March or April 2027 | Decision report on the revised policy |
The two documents differ on the last step. The engagement plan says a decision paper in late March, and the report’s shorter timeline says April.
What it means for you
- Nothing to fill in yet. The council plans a dedicated online Engagement Hub in January, carrying the surveys and the drop-in dates.
- If you live near a park: the plan asks about noise and hours, build and take-down, parts of the park closed off, transport, litter, safety and how sites recover afterwards. Residents close to major event sites are listed first among the groups it wants to hear from.
- If you want something back from events: it will test ideas including free or cheaper entry, local jobs and training, and bookings for local artists and suppliers.
- If you are not online: the plan says paper, telephone or assisted routes “should be considered”. That is not yet a promise, so it is worth asking your ward councillors.
The report proposes no cap on events and names no individual event. For what is on locally now, see our things to do in Dulwich page.
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