Guidance for organisers of large festivals and events
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) wishes to work positively with organisers planning large-scale events such as festivals and sporting events within or close to the boundary of the National Park to ensure that events are managed successfully.
The SDNPA is also the Local Planning Authority for the area.
If you are planning on holding an event within or close to the National Park, please take a look at our guidance note.
- Event Licensing
You may require a license in order to hold an event. The issuing of event licenses is separate from planning permission and is the responsibility of the relevant licensing authority (district/borough or unitary council). Contact details for each of the licensing authorities within the National Park are provided below.
It is important to note that the SDNPA is not a licensing authority, but will be consulted by the relevant licensing authority and will provide comment on applications for the larger events. Licensing authorities have a duty to have regard to National Park Purposes in reaching their decision and event organisers should consult both their relevant licensing authority and the SDNPA at an early stage of planning the event.
Licensing Authority Contact details Arun District Council https://www.arun.gov.uk/licensing Adur and Worthing Council https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/licensing-and-permits/ Brighton and Hove City Council https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/business-and-trade/licensing-and-gambling Chichester District Council http://www.chichester.gov.uk/licensing East Hampshire District Council https://www.easthants.gov.uk/licensing Horsham District Council https://www.horsham.gov.uk/licensingpages/licensing Mid Sussex District Council https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/licensing-business/ Lewes and Eastbourne Councils http://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/licensing-and-registrations/ Wealden District Council http://www.midsussex.gov.uk/planning-licensing-building-control/licensing/ Winchester City Council http://www.winchester.gov.uk/licensing