Organising events in Solihull

We work with our partners to help event organisers ensure events in Solihull follow health and safety guidelines.

This page sets out what you will need to consider if holding an event and how to apply.

Holding an event on council land

Any events on Solihull Council land (such as parks, highways, town centre, car parks) requires our permission and event organisers are required to provide supporting information.

Examples of events include:

a festival
charitable fundraising
a market
promotional activity

Timescales

If you require permission to use council land for your event you will need to provide a minimum of 12 weeks notice in order for applications to be processed and permissions to be issued in time for the event.

Large scale events in Solihull

If you are not planning to hold your event on council land you do not need to apply for permission, but we want to know about events which 500 or more people are expected to attend. This helps to provide an overview of what is taking place in Solihull at any time.

Tell us about an event

Refreshments in our parks

Solihull Council have contracted refreshment concession operators for most of our parks in the borough. These concession operators are notified of all events that are booked to take place and have the right to trade in the park during all events.

For more information on this, please email parksmanagement@solihull.gov.uk.

Filming at Council Locations

If you intend to film on Council land please note you do require permission before filming. Permission to film is required for the following locations:

Council parks
open spaces
town centres
within Council buildings

This includes filming with drones, regardless of their size.

All applications should be made online to Film Birmingham who process applications on behalf of Solihull Council. Please visit their website for more information regarding the application process.

Safety Advisory Group

Solihull Council coordinates the Safety Advisory Group, which meets regularly to consider large scale events or events that are likely to have a significant local impact. The Safety Advisory Group is made up of representatives from Solihull Council and the emergency services plus other parties as appropriate.

The following documentation is required before a Safety Advisory Group meeting can be held. Please note you can use your own format for these documents and the templates are provided to either use for your event, or as a guide to what is required.

event manual - a checklist of what this should include
risk assessment - a blank risk assessment template and an example completed risk assessment
a copy of your public liability insurance policy is also required - the minimum level of cover is £5 million, or £10 million for larger events

The Event Notification process supports organisers

It provides a single point of contact to Solihull Council services and emergency agencies.

By completing our event checklist, you can help;

us to make sure you receive the advice and assistance you need to get your event started
and also ensure that you apply for any licences or permissions in good time
and enables us to ensure relevant services can then be made aware of your event.

Tell us about an event

Other areas that need to be considered

You should be aware of the following guidance:

Street Parties
Road Closure Notice and Application if your event impacts the local highway
Licensing of your event
Health and Safety
Food Safety
Food safety guidance for mobile vendors and market stalls
Trading consent for selling of goods at your event
Charity Collections
You must be registered to hold a fitness session in our parks, please email events@solihull.gov.uk to apply

Mayor of Solihull

If you would like the Mayor to attend your event, please visit https://www.solihull.gov.uk/councillors-and-democracy/invitationsforthemayor

Signage

The only way to legally put up signs in public areas is to call 0121 704 8000 and request our permission. For more guidance visit;
https://www.solihull.gov.uk/Roads-pavements-and-streetcare/Fly-posting

Waste

The provision for the removal of litter is the responsibility of the Event Organiser. For more guidance visit; https://www.solihull.gov.uk/Environment-and-animals/Commercialrubbish

Public health

Covid 19 guidance for event organisers

More information

It is likely that additional guidance will be required for specialist events and larger scale activities and there are many sources of information i.e. government and event industry guidance websites that may be able to offer advice on specific types of event.

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