Gathering in a public park?

[partyinapark]

Hi all

Has anyone had a gathering of people (say 40+) in a public park?

A friend of mine wants to keep costs down for an engagement celebration and is considering having it in a public park (somewhere in London). She would like to set up tables for food and picnic blankets and has mentioned having a speaker for music.

I just wondered if anyone had any experience of doing this? So logistically how was it done - did you get permission from the park? Were there issues around disturbing other people in the park? Was it successful? Were you allowed to erect a gazebo?

I have told her I'm not sure about the speaker for music, there may be issues around disturbing the peace. But if anyone can say different that would be great. At the moment she has emailed a few parks but is waiting for replies.

TIA

I've never done it, but I have a feeling it wouldn't be allowed. I.e. if the cops saw it they'd want to know what was going on, and if permission had been granted.

Generally speaking, yes, small gatherings (under 50 people) which aren’t open to the public are allowed without formal application by most London councils - but you’ll still need to contact the council the park is in to give notice and contact details so that the party holder can be held responsible if anything gets out of hand etc.

Gazebos and music are grey areas. A blind eye will generally be turned to a small domestic style gazebo and an Alexa playing music at volume which doesn’t disturb other park users. Turn up with a full on marquee and boom box and you’re going to get complaints and be told to vacate.

I've had plenty of huge picnics in London parks. Trick is finding the right one and not going too overboard with the planning/set up. Just let it happen and get everyone to bring their own stuff!

thank you all, very useful info.

noonarna - which parks have you used and which would you recommend?

There's the issue of toilets too I guess

YY to not going overboard. Every year about 30 or so friends and I have a “float party” on the Hackney canal - we basically turn up with inflatable dinghys and mess about floating around in them on the canal with drinks and music. As long as we get out of the way of others using the waterway and don’t cause havoc or annoy the general public with music and too much drunkenness, a blind eye is turned by any authorities.

I’ve had large picnics in Victoria Park and London Fields (both Hackney) with no issue. Often see big groups having a barbecue in summer.

Up top at Greenwich Park I've seen groups that size get together, but the music might be an issue

There's really clear guidance for the Royal parks on their website - www.royalparks.org.uk/managing-the-parks/park-regulations-legislation-and-policies/picnics-in-the-royal-parks

@ComtesseDeSpair I think I saw you and your friends last year! Looked so much fun!

I’ve had large picnics in Victoria Park and London Fields (both Hackney) with no issue. Often see big groups having a barbecue in summer.

Also this. Often see large groups with a domestic gazebo and music out of a domestic speaker in Vicky Park

Regents park and Clapham common good for big picnics. You could have any number without anyone even noticing. However Anything bigger than a standard Argos gazebo or a small portable speaker is going to a) be noticed by the parkie/police and/or b) make you a total arsehole to other park users.

@BlueSkiesLies - would be amazing if you did see us We’re pretty eye-catching, inflatable unicorns and fancy dress! Welcome to join in next year!

ComtesseDeSpair that sounds like a lot of fun!!

thanks everyone, I will be passing this thread onto my friend in due course!

@ComtesseDeSpair if it was your friends, it was 18 August last year (I just checked my photos!) and there were sailors, gold swans, mermaids, pirates, a hammer head shark...

I saw the flotilla drinking in London Fields then getting back on the canal and paddling off towards Vicky Park with the aim of a pub in mile end.

It really made the day seeing the flotilla :-)