Events will need to be planned in accordance with the national guidelines and it should be noted they are subject to change with limited notice.
Hosting an event
All events on Council owned land within Southend-on-Sea must:
- be authorised by us and have an Event Permit issued
- have valid Public Liability Insurance of at least five million pounds cover
- some events may also need other licences or permits
You must submit an event application form with supporting documents and application fee.
It takes at least 6 months to process an application for an event over 2000 attendees, and a minimum of 8 weeks for an event over 100 attendees.
It takes at least six weeks to process an application for a small event on Council land and four weeks for a small event in Southend High Street. Fees apply. Please see our fees and charges.
Planning an event
We recommend you contact us in advance to help make sure your event runs as smoothly and safely as possible. Email Eventbookings@southend.gov.uk for further information.
You must read the Council's Events Policy before you apply.
Event locations
You can hire event sites in the Town Centre, Seafront and Parks areas. Please see the Council’s Fees and charges. If a site is not on the list, please contact us before you apply, and we’ll check if the site can be hired.
How to apply - small scale event on council land
For small charity, non-commercial and community events with up to 100 attendees during the whole event (subject to current Government guidance); and starts after 9am and finishes before 9pm.
The event must not include: alcohol, inflatables, bonfire or use of fire, fireworks, barbeque.
To apply for a permit use the online form.
It takes at least six weeks to process the paperwork. We must receive an application form and supporting documents in order to progress the application. Fees apply.
How to apply - small scale High Street event
For charity, community and commercial events in one of the event spaces in Southend High Street. Numbers subject to current Government guidance.
To apply for a permit use the online form.
It takes at least four weeks to process the paperwork. We must receive an application form and supporting documents in order to progress the application. Fees apply.
How to apply - event application form
For charity, community, commercial and non-commercial events expecting over 100 attendees (subject to Government guidance) or for small events that have more complex activities.
To apply for a permit use the online form.
It takes at least 6 months to process an application for an event over 2000 attendees, and a minimum of 8 weeks for an event over 100 attendees. We must receive an application form, Event Management Plan and supporting documents in order to process the application. Fees apply.
Further guidance
Bouncy castles and other play inflatables
Health and safety law applies to the supply, hire and use of inflatables for commercial purposes. Before hiring, supplying or using an inflatable please see our health and safety - inflatables page.
Balloon and lantern sky release
If you are planning a Balloon or Lantern Sky release, please see our guidance document.
Community event support and equipment hire
If you need help with community event planning (fees apply) or to hire community event equipment including the vehicle mitigation barriers.
Event debrief form
You must complete and return the Debrief Form within four weeks after the event has taken place.
Key considerations and actions
- carry out a risk assessment - this must be completed for every event and needs to be specific to the type of event you are hosting - find out more about how to conduct a risk assessment.
- think about capacity - make sure there is enough space for everyone across the event space
Downloads
Martyn's Law
In December 2022 the Home Secretary made an announcement regarding the foundational policy for Martyn's Law, formerly known as the Protect Duty, in Parliament.
Legislation will be brought forward as soon as parliamentary time allows. Martyn's Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the United Kingdom.
Further information on Martyn's Law can be found on the: