Events

Find out what to do if you are organising an event within the Borough of Oldham.

Events include fairs, pop concerts, festivals, religious events, fun runs, family fun days, car rallies, Remembrance Day parades, Whit walks, and street parties.

Notify the Council of an event

• Event notification form
• Filming notification from
• Drone flying application form

Do you need to notify the Council of your event?

You should tell the Council if your event will:

• Affect traffic or parking
• Take place on Council-owned land
• Need roads to be closed or parking restrictions put in place
• Include loud music
• Include entertainment
• Sell food, drinks, or alcohol
• Need any licences, such as for street trading or selling alcohol

You must let Oldham Council know at least 3 weeks before your event. Bigger events may need more notice.

If your event needs a road closure, you must give at least 5 weeks’ notice.

If your event is on private land and none of the above apply, you do not need to tell the Council. However, the Council can help promote your event. You can contact them by emailing:

Use of parks and open spaces

 The use of our parks is generally free, however, larger or commercial events may incur a charge. 

The cost of hire:

• Large Park: £570.12
• Large Park (Charity Event): £359.28
• Small Park: £265.56
• Small Park (Charity Event): £179.64

The above prices are inclusive of VAT.

• Park Event Charges Exemption Form

Large parks:

• Alexandra Park, Alexandra Ward
• Royton Park, Royton South
• Stoneleigh Park, St James’ Ward
• Waterhead Park, Waterhead Ward
• Chadderton Hall Park, Chadderton North
• Churchill Playing Fields, Saddleworth South
• Copster Park, Medlock Vale Ward
• Foxdenton Park, Chadderton Central Ward
• High Crompton Park, Crompton Ward
• Tandle Hill Country Park, Royton North Ward
• Werneth Park, Werneth Ward

Small parks:

• Bullcote Park, Royton South Ward
• Coalshaw Green Park, Chadderton South Ward
• Dunwood Park, Shaw Ward
• Fitton Park, Chadderton North Ward
• Higher Memorial Park, Failsworth East Ward
• King George V/St Chad’s Uppermill, Saddleworth South Ward
• Lees Park, Saddleworth West and Lees Ward
• Limeside Park, Hollinwood Ward
• Lower Memorial Park, Failsworth West Ward
• Dogford Park, Royton North Ward

Use of town centre

If your question is about town centre matters, such as promotional stalls, street performer areas, or shopping hours, please contact the Town Centre Team by emailing:

• tct@oldham.gov.uk

Guidance and documents

These include things like how to complete a risk assessment and guidance on closing a road. They are there to help you plan and run an event on public land successfully:

• General Events Guidance - GOV.UK website
• Terms of use - web page
• Event notification form (online)
• Example Event Risk Assessment (.pdf)
• Blank Risk Assessment Template (.doc)
• Road closures and diversion routes
• Drone flying policy

Inflatables and fairground attractions

To comply with guidance set by the Health and Safety Executive, Oldham Council only allow inflatables/funfair rides which have valid PIPA tags/certification or an ADIPS declaration of compliance (DoC). We will only accept safety certification from these two industry inspection schemes

• http://www.hse.gov.uk/entertainment/fairgrounds/inflatables.htm
• http://www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/running.htm

Music at events

All organisers of events that involve music will need to obtain the appropriate licence from PRS. This process is independent from the Council and should be done prior to the event taking place.

• PPL PRS website
• PPL PRS license cost
• PPL PRS Tariff

PPL PRS - Charity and Community Discounts

Any organisers who wish to apply for a community or charity discount from PPL PRS must complete the application form in full, and submit the form at least 14 days prior to the event.

• Charity community discount form

Road closure and diversion routes

Road closures can be disruptive for drivers, pedestrians, residents, and local businesses, so they should only be used when absolutely necessary. It is illegal to close a public road, path, or verge without proper permission.

If your event cannot go ahead without closing a road, you should think about the following as early as possible when planning:

• Try to hold the event outside busy traffic times (7am–9.30am and 4pm–6pm).
• Consider what worked well or didn’t work at previous events.
• Speak to local residents, businesses, and organisations about the closure.
• Plan clear diversion routes (these will need Council approval).
• Check whether any major roads or motorways would be affected — closures may be refused or very costly.
• Contact local bus companies to discuss the closure.
• Make sure emergency vehicles can still get through if needed.
• Plan how to deal with broken-down vehicles before the closure starts.
• Make arrangements so residents and businesses can still access their properties.

You will also need a traffic management plan. This should explain:

• Which roads will be closed
• What diversion signs and barriers will be used
• Who will be responsible for setting up and managing them on the day
• What training event staff will have
• Whether parking restrictions are needed

Extra support for event organisers

• You may be able to borrow yellow “no parking” cones from the Council’s parking provider, free of charge (you only pay for any that are lost or damaged).
• You may also be able to borrow road closed and diversion signs, again free of charge subject to availability.
• Signs must be collected from the depot on Moorhey Street, and all collections must be arranged in advance.
• The Council usually does not charge for preparing road closure orders for events.

If you have questions about road closures or want to request signs or cones, please email the events team:

• events@oldham.gov.uk

More advice

The Council's Events Team are happy to help you with any queries:

• events@oldham.gov.uk.