Annual Review of Major Events in Parks 2018/19 and Consultation on Future Events

Closed 18 Dec 2019

Opened 13 Nov 2019

Contact

Sarah Murphy

(Senior Parks Programmes Officer)

0131 529 7955

sarah.murphy@edinburgh.gov.uk

Results updated 15 Oct 2020

This consultation was issued to a wide range of stakeholders and included Community Councils, Friends of Greenspaces, sports clubs, event organisers and internally with those services forming the Events Planning and Operations Group (Public Safety, Licensing, Locality Services, Noise Team etc).

The information gathered from stakeholders regarding specific events will be shared with the Event Planning and Operations Group and event organisers for use in future management arrangements. The general theme of the consultation is a perceived over commercialisation of public parks with Princes Street Gardens being the main concern. Questions about the restriction of public access to the park and the suitability of some types of events appear to be increasing.

The Council has requested that the current Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto and the Public Spaces Management plan be reviewed, the two policies aligned and consolidated into one document.  This work has commenced, a stakeholder engagement exercise will start in October 2020, followed by a wider public consultation in January, the final proposal will be presented to Committee in Summer 2021.

Files:

Links:

Overview

Thank you for taking part in this two part survey.

1. Annual Review of Major Events in Parks 2018/19.

Edinburgh parks play host to a huge array of events every year and we recognise that there is a balance to be struck between those who wish to host events, those wanting to enjoy them and those whose everyday lives are either enhanced or impacted in some way. In addition, we need to ensure that the quality of the parks and greenspaces across the city are maintained to the highest possible standard. 

By completing this survey, information will be gathered which will enable us to gauge how effectively events are being managed, identify specific issues or problems and seek solutions prior to next year's programme. We have identified a selection of this year's large events for analysis and the results will be published early in 2020. We are asking everyone affected by events (local residents, community, park users, sporting groups, event organisers, Friends Groups etc) to respond. 

Please note that two separate but related consultations are planned for early 2020; a consultation on plans for a revised Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto and a citywide survey on the future of Edinburgh's Winter Festivals.  More details will be announced in the new year.

2. Proposal to Extend Procurement Process to Additional Four Parks

The majority of events are applied for directly by the event organiser, however in recent years the Council has sought better control of events by procuring two events in popular locations, The Foodies Festival in Inverleith and the Circus Hub on The Meadows.

A procured event is where the Council is offering the use of an area within a park for a commercial event. The Council advertise these opportunities and submissions are reviewed by an independent assessment panel who follow strict government legislation in assessing submissions based on both quality and price. 

Given the success of this approach the Council is considering extending this process to four additional parks and would welcome your views.

Proposed parks;

  • Leith Links
  • Sighthill Park
  • Gyle Park
  • Calton Hill

What happens next

The results of this consultation will form a report which will be presented to the Culture and Communities Committee early in 2020.

Areas

  • All Edinburgh

Audiences

  • Homeless People
  • People with long term conditions
  • People with disabilities
  • Minority Ethnic groups
  • Carers
  • Jobseekers
  • Low income households
  • Older people
  • Businesses
  • Children & Young People
  • Civil and public servants
  • Elected Members
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual people, Transgender people (LGBT)
  • Men
  • Parents/carers
  • Professionals
  • Residents
  • Road users
  • Students
  • Teaching/Educational staff
  • Visitors
  • Voluntary sector/volunteers
  • Women
  • Taxi Licence holders
  • Amenity groups
  • Architects/designers
  • Built heritage groups
  • Community councils
  • Developers/investors
  • Development management statutory consultees
  • Development planning key agencies
  • Education institutions
  • External councils
  • Housing associations
  • Landowners
  • Libraries
  • Natural heritage/open space
  • Neighbourhood partnerships
  • Planning consultants
  • Professional bodies
  • Scottish Government departments
  • Services/utilities
  • Transport groups
  • Young people
  • Licence holders
  • Employees
  • Licence applicants

Interests

  • Arts and culture
  • Parks and green spaces
  • Sport, activities and dance
  • Public space