Help shape the future of outdoor events

It’s your opportunity to tell the council how the city should organise and host events.

Give your views on the draft Outdoor Events Strategy.

Brighton & Hove is well-known for the variety and quality of its festivals and events - the city holds around 250 every year. Many of these are free and use public spaces such as the seafront and parks, as well as cultural places such as the Royal Pavilion Garden.

The council plays a major part in helping events to happen and has developed a draft Outdoor Events Strategy to 2024. It aims to provide a greater focus on the quality, distinctiveness and impact of events. 

We offer a dedicated events service which brings together a wealth of experience from across the council, including cleansing and waste, roads management, technical infrastructure and venues.

What does the draft strategy propose?

An Outdoor Events Charter – the first in the country – to build better relationships between event organisers, residents and businesses.

In signing the charter, the council would simplify the application process and assist the planning of priority events which in turn helps provide financial support for community events.
 
Organisers would sign up to ensuring that their event makes a positive contribution to the quality of life for local communities and the local economy, including looking after the environment and minimising disruption.

The charter includes a commitment to sustainability, such as not using single use plastic and re-using and recycling wherever possible. 

Other proposals for discussion include:

• The potential for a winter festival in Brighton & Hove
• Finding ways to connect event organisers so they can support one another (particularly useful for smaller events) and build on local expertise 
• Continue to invest in community activities through income generated by commercial events. Community events are not charged a fee if there are no road closures involved.

Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the  city’s culture, tourism and culture committee, said: “We have a national reputation for staging fantastic events in the city, from Brighton Festival and Fringe, Pride and the Brighton Marathon, to Burning the Clocks, Paddle Round the Pier and the Take Part Festival. 

“This is a great opportunity to build on that success and ensure we look after the environment and the city’s communities. Please take a moment to comment on the strategy and share your ideas.”

Main outdoor events held in 2018

Outdoor events coming up in 2019 (agenda items 48 and 49)