Park events, programmed activity, photography and filming

Events, activities, photography and filming

Our parks and open spaces are available for:

• programmed activity and fitness classes
• park events
• wedding and civil partnership photography, and
• commercial filming and photography.

Programmed activity and fitness classes

You must have our permission if you want to deliver an activity or fitness session in one of our parks or open spaces. We must receive all the relevant paperwork before the activity takes place.

Organise an event in our parks

If you want to organise an event in one of our parks or open spaces, you must contact us to discuss. We must receive all your completed event documentation at least 20 working days before the event taking place, so that we can process your event request.

You need committee approval for events that:

• will last for more than three days (including set-up or take-down periods)
• will need the closure of the site or a proportion of the facility which will have an impact on regular users
• will have alcohol on sale at the event
• will have an admission charge, or
• could be controversial.

All documentation for this type of event must be submitted at least four months in advance to us.

We will advise you on which documents you will need to complete for your event, such as the 24 point event plan or small event action plan. You must also complete a risk assessment form and give us a copy of your public liability insurance for any events.

For events such as large scale concerts, music festivals and cultural events, if a request for an event is approved:

• an agreement may need to be drawn up between the council and applicant
• a bond of intent (deposit) will be paid to the council at the time of the provisional booking
• full ground reinstatement costs will be met by the applicant and this will be subject to a bond that will be retained in the event of noncompliance
• a fee paid to use the facility.

You will need an entertainment licence where you provide, or want to provide, entertainment at your event that takes place in one of our parks or open spaces. The cost and type of licence depends on the entertainment provided and licences can be issued for both indoor and outdoor events. Conditions will vary depending on how often you provide entertainment and the nature of the premises or facility where it will take place.

To apply to organise an event, email [email protected].

Wedding and civil partnership photography in our parks

Take your wedding or civil partnership photographs in one of our parks. The fee is £26.80 for a two-hour slot.

You must get written permission to use any of our parks as a location for your photography. You should book early to secure your date and location.

How to book your photography

To book your photography in one of our parks, you must contact us. You can do this by email [email protected] to check if the date you want is available.

If your date is available, we'll send you a booking form and request a payment of £26.80 You can pay by card or by cheque. You will need to agree to our terms and conditions which will be included with the booking form.

Once we receive your form and payment, we'll send you a letter of permission for your photography. You must bring the letter along on the day. Your booking isn't confirmed until you receive your permission letter.

You must bring the letter along on the day, as you’ll need to present the letter to a member of staff.

Commercial filming and photography

You must apply for our permission if you want to film or take commercial photographs in our parks.

You need to submit a written application at least 20 working days before filming or photography. You must also complete a risk assessment form, provide us with a copy of your public liability insurance and a charge may be levied if the filming is for commercial purposes.

There are fees for commercial filming, television productions and photography. Exceptions for news, news related to current affairs or as part of an educational course will need prior agreement with Marketing and Corporate Communications. To contact Marketing and Corporate Communications, email [email protected].

Hourly cost 

These hourly fees are valid until 31 March 2027.

• commercial photography: £28 an hour
• TV productions, commercials and small films: £74.20 an hour
• commercial filming in the Palm House and Tropical Ravine: £139.20 an hour
• radio recording: £34 an hour