There are a variety of different requirements placed on event organisers, depending on the nature of their event, and this page is the introduction to the range of departments within Luton Borough Council you may need to contact.
Do not underestimate how much of your and others’ time will be taken up in planning and organising an event.
Street Parties
Street Parties are organised by groups of residents for their neighbours and are usually quite straight forward to organise. Follow this link for more information on organising a street party. You may also wish to look at the Streets Alive website.
Road Closures
If you want to close your street for your party, you will need to apply to our Highways team at least 12 weeks prior to the event, and there may be a charge. Please register your interest by phoning them on 01582 510333.
You need to make sure all residents/businesses affected are consulted about the closure, and ensure access is maintained.
If you wish to hold a street party download the application form at the foot of the page.
Licensing
You only need a licence if alcohol is being sold (selling food after 11pm), if you are advertising your event outside the neighbourhood and/or you are charging for entry. Follow this link to apply for your temporary event notice and follow this link to find out more about licences.
Please contact Licensing Service on Tel: 01582 54 60 40 licensing@luton.gov.uk for further information.
Other Events
A good starting point to get your event underway is our leaflet Planning an Event? We strongly suggest you download this from the bottom of the page as it gives you a checklist to work through.
Event Location
The location must be suitable and adequate for what you want to do.
The Council has a variety of locations you can book and experienced staff who can help you with your planning, namely :
- Parks and Open Spaces
- Community buildings or schools
- Museums
- Hat Factory/Luton Culture Buildings
- Active Luton buildings
- Town Centre (including St Georges Square, Market Hill)
Health and Safety
Any event on public property must be safe for everyone involved, and you will need to do a risk assessment considering who will be running and attending your event, the possible risks they face, and what you can do to minimise those risks. Follow this link for advice on health and safety. There is also a pdf document called the Event Safety Guide that you may find helpful.
Finally, do not assume the police will be able to provide any support for your event – you must contact them to discuss it. Follow this link to see if you need to contact the police.
Environmental Health (noise)
Noise from outdoor events can sometimes disturb local residents. Follow this link to learn more about noise control at outdoor events.
Licensing (alcohol/music/food)
If you are holding an event where alcohol is available, music (live or recorded) and/or dancing is a major part or any other form of entertainment, or food out of hours (11 pm to 5 am ) is provided, you may need a temporary event licence. You will also need a temporary event licence if you are arranging a charitable collection or there is gaming/gambling.
Some licences can take at least three months to process, and you may have to pay a fee.
Follow this link to apply for your temporary event notice.
You can contact Licensing on 01582 546 040 or email licensing@luton.gov.uk
Travel/Highways
If you need to close a road for your event, you will need to apply to our Highways team at least 12 weeks prior to the event, and a fee will be payable. To discuss your requirements please phone Highways on 01582 510333.
Insurance
All events must be covered by a valid Public Liability Insurance policy, with a minimum of £5m cover. If your event involved outside contractors, they must have their own insurance. You will need to talk to an insurance company to arrange this and there will be a cost
Safety Advisory Group
Organisers of all large events, such as those with multiple venues or a large footprint, or including marches or processions, or protests, are usually invited to the Safety Advisory Group. Held once a month, usually in the town hall, the Safety Advisory Group is made up of representatives from Police, Fire, Ambulance and the specialist departments from Luton Borough Council. It exists to give advice to organisers; to ensure that all public events in Luton are safe and well run.
If you need to attend one of these meetings we will send you an invitation.
If you have any queries regarding the Safety Advisory Group, please email the Emergency Planning team, who run the Group at emergencyplanning@luton.gov.uk or phone 01582 547124.
