12. FAQs
I am thinking of planning an event in an East Devon District Council park, garden, on the beach or in an open space, 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, car parks or beaches regardless of the scale of your event.
Can I plan an event in a park not listed in this guidance?
Yes this is possible, as long as EDDC are the land owner.
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?
To organise a Street Party, you will ned to contact Devon County Council
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, however you will still need permission from East Devon District Council for more information please see our Filming pages
Can I put more than one event on each application?
Yes you can, you will need to provide a clear breakdown on dates, times and locations in the ‘Event Description’.
How far in advance can I plan my event?
Events can be booked up to 18 months in advance. Our 2027 event calendar will open at 9am on 1 June 2025. We will not accept any applications for events in 2027 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.
What is classed as an event?
A short-term land hire under 28 days. Anything over 28 days will need to go through our Property and Estates team
How do I do a site plan?
A simple sketch or rough drawing over a ‘maps’ image will be fine.
Why do I have to have a risk assessment and insurance?
The organisation of a public event is a considerable responsibility. In addition to attracting moral and social responsibilities, event organisers have civil, common, and criminal law responsibilities for which they may have to answer to the courts. Event organisers may be liable for the consequences when things go wrong, particularly if there are issues in the planning or control of the event. This is more likely to happen if other interested parties are not consulted or if their advice is ignored. It is therefore imperative that event organisers consider carefully obtaining Public Liability Insurance to cover any potential claim against you.
One of the main responsibilities of the event organiser is to have concern for the safety of the public attending the event, as well as those who may, in any way be affected by it. This responsibility extends to avoiding damage to property, fear or alarm to the public, disruption to the local community and ensuring that the human rights of persons are not infringed. Ensuring public safety at a public event is the role of the Events Organiser.
Can I have a BBQ in the park?
We have designated BBQ areas located in the Maer in Exmouth, these operate on a first come first serve basis. 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.
Do you hire out event equipment?
We do not currently have event equipment available for hire. However, we may be able to offer help with waste provisions, garden games and chairs. Please note this is a chargeable service. Please contact us at events @eastdevon.gov.uk for more information.
Can I use your electric?
Electricity is available at some sites for a hire charge however we do not have electric available at every site. Whilst you can use our electric, we do not have an on call service whilst your event is on. This means we cannot guarantee working electric at all times. If electric is integral to the running of your event, we suggest you hire a generator.
Can we use the public toilets rather than hiring in toilets?
Depending on the size of your event, you will need hire in portable toilets. Public Toilets in the East Devon area are currently being either refurbished, closed or sold. We cannot guarantee public toilets will be open at the time of your event. Please see our Public Toilet FAQs.
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 email events@eastdevon.gov.uk
If your event is taking place on East Devon District Council owned land, we will be able to post your event on our social media @EastDevonEvents. Please send us any text and posters you wish for us to use on events@eastdevon.gov.uk
We also work with East Devon Excellence, who provide a ‘one stop shop’ of what’s on, where to stay and where to visit in East Devon. Anyone holding an event can advertise your event on their site for free as well. Please complete their Google form - EDE Events Google Form