Government Guidance from DCMS update for Outdoor and Indoor Events 10 July 2020

Current Situation Government announcement from DCMS made on the evening of Thursday 9th July set out a list of detailed objectives and some guidance. Licensing Authorities are asked to “avoid issuing licenses for events that could lead to larger gatherings forming and provide advice to businesses on how to manage events of this type. If appropriate, the Government has powers under ​schedule 2​2​ of the Coronavirus Act ​2020 ​to close venues hosting large gatherings or prohibit certain events (or types of event) from taking place.” Until such time that more detailed event or public gathering specific guidance has come from Government and Public Health England then Lambeth Events team will not be permitting any new events to take place without adhering to the DCMS current guidance. EventLambeth will only consider events which can demonstrate they meet the following requirements. Lambeth Council requirements may change should there be further guidance from the Government and Public Health England. Current Government Guidance Social Distancing must always be maintained Reviewing capacity in our venues and open spaces Reviewing entrance, exits and hygiene facilities Reviewing the health & safety provisions to maintain government guidance Restriction on singing and playing of wind / brass instruments for professionals only Social interactions should be limited to a group of no more than two households (indoors and out) or up to six people from different households (if outdoors). It is against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes (including gardens and other outdoor spaces). Events in public outdoor spaces that are organised by businesses, charitable or political organisations, and public bodies, provided they take reasonable steps...

EventLambeth Update

In the light of the government announcement yesterday about outdoor performances and public events, we understand many organisers will be keen to get going again. We want to ensure this is done as safely as possible and in line with government guidance and public health. Over the coming week, the EventLambeth Team will be working through the latest Government Guidance and alongside key stakeholders to put together requirements for events in Lambeth. There are still requirements around social distancing for all reopening leisure locations, and so it is anticipated that outdoor events will have similar requirements. As ever event organisers are responsible for the audience they are gathering so will be required to have robust plans in place on how attendees are managed and engaged within the Covid-19 guidance. Please note all events in Lambeth parks and open spaces are required to apply to hold an event and follow our application process. We have a minimum notice of 3 months, applications will be subject to fees and other relevant permissions will be required. For more details about the proccess please visit the website https://eventlambeth.co.uk/organising/planning-your-event/ In the meantime, further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/performing-arts-given-green-light-to-resume-outdoors-on-july-11. We will be in touch once we have more specific...

Pineapples, Pineapples, Pineapples

  What is it with Lambeth, Stockwell and Pineapples? Well in 1600’s John Tradescant who was botanist and importer brought Pineapples to the UK for the first time. His botanical garden was in Stockwell,  and included the ground that we now know as Larkhall Park. Now you know this,  you’re going to start seeing Pineapples all over Lambeth! This certainly was the case for some unsuspecting motorists on a sunny Saturday morning on Stockwell Road back in 2008. With funding from Arts Council England and European Union regeneration funding Stockwell Festival were given a grant for further outreach projects to support the annual Stockwell festival. Stockwell Festival worked with local Lambeth carnival arts company Mandinga Arts to create the costumes and Art Community Exchange a local arts company based in Brixton ran schools programme and co-ordinated the parade. Bureau of Silly idea also based in Brixton made the Pineapple car. Everyone gathered at Stockwell Primary School.  The local bloco samba carnival band created the soundtrack and then the pineapple parade too to the street with the support of the festival stewards and local met police officers. People joined in along the way and all arrived onto Larkhall Park to enjoy a full day of music, food, theatre and lots lots more. I still remember standing on Larkhall Park at 12:30 having just got the festival open. Music was on the stage, people were milling around the festival site and stalls were open and slowly the festival was coming alive. Then in the far corner the procession burst onto the park and all of a sudden there were dancing pineapples...

Making Events Sustainable – Where to Start

We appreciate there are many areas to think about when it comes to delivering a greener event. Some events are already making positive changes towards reducing their environmental impact, however there is a long way to go across the sector. EventLambeth want to help all event organisers move in the right direction and have put together a list of actions to start things off. It is important to remember simple changes and good planning in the early stages can make a big difference. Look at all areas of your event; energy, water, waste and recycling, products, suppliers, staff, promotion and travel. Keep in mind you will also need to think about how this fits into procurement processes, contracting suppliers, front of house plans, back of house operations and how attendees behave at your event. Getting Started: First do some research, there is a wealth of information and ideas out there on how to make your event greener. Read the Lambeth Green Guide to Events. This will give you a clear understanding of all the areas you need to consider and build into your planning process. All events are required to meet the ‘Essential’ criteria. Review your event section by section – look at waste, water, travel, energy, food and serve-ware. Think about the current impact of the event and identify key areas you need to make changes. Involve your contractors and suppliers early to ensure they have time to prepare and understand requirements they need to meet. Start simple. For example, audience transport is one of the greatest impact areas and one of the easiest ones to address. Encourage...

Making Events Sustainable – Lambeth’s New Green Event Guide

As part of the wider Borough plan, EventLambeth is committed to making sure all events are operating and being delivered more sustainably. EventLambeth have been working hard over the past few months to create the new Lambeth Green Events Guide. This guidance has been put together in consultation with the Lambeth Sustainability Team and includes measures such as green travel initiatives, recycling systems, elimination of single use plastic, managing energy and water more efficiently, as well as choosing sustainable products, materials and suppliers. We know the organisation, delivery and operations of events have varying forms of environmental impacts; requiring transport, consuming energy, water, food and materials, and producing waste and carbon emissions.  However, with the new guidance we can work with organisers to ensure they are reducing these impacts and making positive changes. All events in Lambeth parks, open spaces, public highways and buildings are now required to adhere to the Green Guide’s criteria as part of the Terms & Conditions of hire for Outdoor Events and Indoor Events. Read the Lambeth Green Event Guide and watch this space for more blog posts on how to make your event...

EventLambeth Community Events Training Programme 2019/2020

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN   Applications to the EventLambeth Community Events Training Programme are now open. The Community Events Training Programme aim is to deliver a dynamic and interactive training that builds on and further develops, the skills and knowledge, of our local community event organisers. The training will also share best practice with regard to community safety, sustainability and community engagement. The course content is tailored to reflect the EventLambeth application process so organisers have a better understanding of what is needed at each of the 4 stages as well as learn about the new events sustainability policy and funding programme opening in December. Delivered by EventLambeth officers with sessions lead by colleagues from other Council departments such as Food H&S, Licensing and Public Protection as well as sessions from event industry professionals working in the Security and Stewarding sector and a tailored sessions lead by the Met Police Counter Terrorism team. The training programme is held over 2 days and you have the choice of Saturday 9 and 16 November                        OR Monday 11 and 18 November If you deliver outdoor events in Lambeth or you are planning to deliver an outdoor event in 2020 then this training is for you. If you work in Lambeth and deliver events in an indoor setting but are interested in attending then we do encourage you to apply if there is space we will be able to offer you a place. Attendance on the training programme will make you eligible to apply for the EventLambeth Community Funding programme which will open in December. You can find out more about the...