Host a Small Outdoor Event

Many of the parks are suitable for small events and activities and often small community events attract little or no licence fee, however all events still require an event licence. Small events are defined as having 0-499 participants and include but not exclusively; running and walking events, community events, picnics, corporate events, family events, wedding/blessing and hand fasting ceremonies, charitable events, festivals, live music, showing of films, a one-off performance of dance or drama with an expected audience of a couple of hundred people.

How to apply

To apply to host an event or organised activity in one of our parks:

Read the outdoor event organiser’s pack (either small or large depending on scale)
Read the current event fee rate card
Contact the Events Team at The Parks Trust on 01908 233600 or events@theparkstrust.com to discuss proposed event, date and location.

The team will then assess your event proposal and send you an application form to complete

Download our event organisers pack

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to process my event application?

Depending on the size and nature of the event an application may take a few weeks to process. Whilst we can be flexible we do require at least 12 weeks’ notice to process an event licence for a large/commercial event and 4 weeks for a small event/activity.
When do I pay my event licence and land bond?

Once your application has been accepted you will receive a licence to sign and return. Alongside the licence to sign will be your invoice stating the amount to pay and details on how to pay it is at this point you are required to pay unless we give other instruction.
When will I receive the return of my land bond?

Once your event has finished how you leave the parkland will be assessed by a member of the team. If the parkland has been left in a good condition with no damage to the land and no litter left behind we will arrange for our finance team to return your deposit. The bond is usually returned in full after the event but, occasionally, it may be necessary to retain all or part of the bond to cover repairs. If this happens a full explanation of the costs which are being recovered will be supplied to you. Please note this process can take a couple of weeks.
Can I have live music at my event?

At most events live music is fine provided you do not use a PA system before 9.30am and keep sound levels at a reasonable level, i.e. not over 75dBA, due to the close proximity many of the parks have to residential areas. You must disclose on your event application if you will have live entertainment. For public events for fewer than 499 people you may need an entertainment licence (Temporary Event Notice) from Milton Keynes Council in addition to the permission we give to use the parkland. For events for over 500 people you will need to apply for a Premises Licence from Milton Keynes Council, this process takes a minimum of six weeks. Please see information on MK Council website on how to apply.
Can I sell alcohol at my event?

If you wish to sell alcohol at your event you will need a Temporary Event Notice/Premises Licence from Milton Keynes Council in addition to the permission we give to use the parkland. Please see information above on how to apply for this. You must disclose on your event application if you will be selling alcohol at your event.
My licence gives me non-exclusive permission to use the park for my event, what does that mean?

Our parks are public open parks and your licence gives permission to use the park for your activity but not exclusively. A licence issued by The Parks Trust is a non-exclusive licence so other people are entitled to use the space at the same time as you, whether they are walkers, cyclists, dog walkers etc. We are not able to guarantee that other activities will not take place at the same time as parks in Milton Keynes are public parks, however where possible, we do try and ensure that large events do not happen in the same place at the same time.