Breaking down barriers for events in parks

Calderdale’s parks and green spaces are some of our greatest assets, places where people come together to relax, play, celebrate, and get active. The more our parks are used, the safer and more welcoming they become for everyone.

That’s why Calderdale Council has been working to make it easier for local groups, charities, and organisations to host events and activities in our parks and green spaces.

Breaking down barriers

In the past, one of the biggest barriers to organising events has been the cost of event licences. Every event held on public land in Calderdale must go through the Council’s Events Team, who review applications and risk assessments to ensure safety and compliance.

Through a new partnership between Active Calderdale and the Events Team, this process is becoming simpler and more affordable.

A fairer fee for community events

A new minimum fee allowance has been introduced for voluntary groups and community organisations running events in parks and green spaces. This fee can now cover up to 12 months for repeated events in the same location, as long as the activity remains similar.

If an organisation plans to run sessions in multiple locations, the Events Team can also group applications together — meaning they’ll still only pay the minimum fee instead of multiple separate charges.

All it takes is a quick email to the team in advance to make them aware of the plans.

"We've been able to save money, and it's created stronger incentives to host more events in parks and green spaces—especially seasonal ones. This is helping us provide more opportunities at a truly grassroots level."

Rachel Orton, Community Programmes Manager, North Halifax Partnership

Opening up our parks

By removing unnecessary barriers, Calderdale Council is helping bring our parks to life. This new approach means lower costs, less admin, and more opportunities for community groups to get people together outdoors. It’s a win-win for everyone, supporting local organisations, making our parks more vibrant, and helping people move more in welcoming, active spaces.

If you are looking to host an event in a Calderdale park, contact the Council's Events Team to get started.