If you wish to hold a special community event, there are a number of things you will need to consider depending on the nature and size of your event. For example, you may need permission to close local streets in your village for a carnival or you may need to apply for licences to carry out certain activities. You can obtain most of this information by clicking on the website links on this page.
The key to holding a successful community event is to plan well ahead. There are legal timescales for many applications which you will need to comply with. If you intend to run a large event (500+ people), you should start planning six months in advance and make sure you contact the relevant authorities for advice. If you are planning a large event, it is further suggested that you examine information available on the Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) webpages and notify the SAG regarding your plans.
If your event is to be held on private land you will need permission from the landowner. If you wish to use North Devon Council land, information is available on our Events on council land page.
If your planned event involves the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment or late night refreshment you may - depending on the number of people attending - need to give a Temporary Event Notice or to apply for a premises licence. Please see the Temporary event notices or Premises licences pages for further information.
If you are planning to hold a street party, you will need to apply to Devon County Council for a road closure order at least six weeks in advance of your event. Further information is available on the County Council website at Devon County Council Special Events.
The Department for Communities and Local Government has published useful guidance about street parties which can be viewed at Street Party Guide.
The 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan
This year marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. The long anticipated news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country. The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945, when Japan surrendered, which was celebrated across the world as ‘Victory over Japan’ (VJ Day), the end of the Second World War.
To honour this historic occasion, we are encouraging local communities, businesses, and schools to get involved in the commemorations by hosting their own events, street parties, exhibitions, and educational activities.
Find out how you can get involved through the Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport's (DCMS) interactive website, which offers key information and resources, including ways to get involved in the commemorations.
If you need further help with planning your event, please contact us by email: licensing@northdevon.gov.uk