Residents in a South West London borough can look forward to a more vibrant and accessible programme of events in their local parks, following the adoption of a new council strategy. Richmond Council has approved a fresh events policy designed to bring more festivals, open-air cinema screenings, and outdoor theatre to its green spaces while ensuring better protection for the environment and community access.
A Blueprint for Vibrant and Protected Green Spaces
The council's Environment Committee formally agreed to replace the borough's 2012 policy with the new strategy on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The policy applies to the 128 parks and open spaces owned by the council, though it notably excludes the nationally-managed Kew Gardens, Richmond Park, and Bushy Park.
The core aim is to establish a diverse and varied events programme across the borough while increasing accessibility through discounted tickets. A key new requirement mandates that organisers of commercial events must provide free or cheaper tickets to eligible Richmond residents. Furthermore, these commercial events will need to give back to the community, for instance by creating employment opportunities or supporting local projects.
Strict Limits to Safeguard Parks and Neighbours
To protect the borough's cherished green spaces, the strategy introduces clear limits on the scale and frequency of events. Events are now categorised by size: small (up to 499 attendees), medium (500-4,999), large (5,000-9,999), and major (10,000 or more).
Under the new rules, large or major events are prohibited from taking place at the same site on consecutive weekends, except in exceptional circumstances. Additionally, no more than four major events and six large events can be held at any single location within a six-month period. All events must conclude by 10pm unless they possess a specific licence to run later.
Organisers will also be compelled to commit to reducing waste, protecting air quality, and actively encouraging visitors to use public transport.
Balancing Community Joy with Environmental Duty
The final policy was shaped by public feedback gathered during a consultation held last year. Council officers emphasised the balanced approach at the heart of the plan.
Thorsten Dreyer, Head of Arts, Parks and Events for Richmond Council, stated the policy was "designed to ensure that events in our green spaces contribute to making Richmond green, safe and fair, while balancing community benefits with environmental protection."
He added: "Events in our parks and open spaces bring cultural, social and economic benefits, supporting local businesses and charities, creating opportunities for young people and helping communities come together. At the same time, we must manage these activities responsibly to protect our much-loved green spaces."
Following the committee meeting, Liberal Democrat councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment Committee, reinforced the commitment: "We're committed to ensuring these community spaces remain vibrant, while investing in their long-term care and preservation."
The new strategy signals a concerted effort to enliven Richmond's parks with a broader range of cultural activities, ensuring residents benefit directly, all within a framework that prioritises the sustainability and tranquillity of the borough's iconic green lungs.
