Expression of interest for major commercial event 2026

Call out for Expressions of Interest (EOIs)

To hold a major-scale, commercial event in an outdoor location in the London Borough of Southwark in 2026

Introduction

Every year, Southwark Council hosts a variety of commercial and community events at various outdoor sites across the borough, recognising the value and benefit that a varied and well managed outdoor events programme can offer people living, working in and visiting the borough.

We will go through an 'Expression of Interest (EOI)' process for 2026 to manage demand for spaces in regards to major-scale commercial events, where demand is greater than provision. We plan to introduce a full tender process in years to come.

What is a major-scale event?

A major-scale event in Southwark is defined as:

•  8,000+ people in attendance, OR
•  4,000+ people in attendance per day for more than one day, OR
• any event scheduled to be on site for 14+ consecutive days, OR
• any event which is expected to have a significant impact on a site or the local area

Available locations

The following sites have the capability of accommodating major-scale events:

• Southwark Park (North or South side)
• Burgess Park (East side)
• Dulwich Park
• Peckham Rye Park
• Peckham Rye Common

What are we looking for

Experienced promoters or producers who will deliver high quality and safe events

• Events which will attract Southwark residents
• Events which could include a community-focused day, or activity, as part of the programme
• Events which provide diverse programming
• Events which will attract diverse audiences
• Events that contribute to Southwark being recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its cultural offer
• Events that will maximise economic benefit to the area
• Events that will maximise benefits to local communities
• Events and companies that are committed to being environmentally sustainable in line with Southwark's Climate and Resilience Strategy
• Event promoters or production companies who can evidence alignment with the Southwark Stands Together pledges

Key information

• This is for a one year 'Events' Licence
• The event must take place in 2026
• Event planning and delivery is subject to Southwark's Outdoor Events Policy
• The Council has 28 'permitted use' days to use for events per calendar year at each location (inclusive of build and strike days)
• All event operators are required to apply for their own premises licence and any other related licence, consent or permission required for the delivery of their event
• Secretary of State Consent is required for the use of Peckham Rye Common - this application is submitted by the council
• Any significant changes to event proposals between submitting the EOI and the formal application (eg. increasing or decreasing the number of live event days) must be communicated and pre-agreed in writing with the Events Service and may be subject to additional charges
• If you are invited to make a formal application at the end of the EOI process, you will be issued a Letter of Agreement in Principle (LoAiP) to confirm support for your application at that point
• Hire fee payment schedule:
• A 20% deposit is taken at the point of issuing the LoAiP (non-refundable if you withdraw the application from this point. Fully refundable if the council do not issue you an Event Licence for any reason that you are not responsible for during the application process)
• A 30% deposit is taken 6 months prior to your first day on site (non-refundable if you withdraw the application from this point. Fully refundable if the council do not issue you an Event Licence for any reason that you are not responsible for during the application process)
• The remaining 50% balance payment is taken 1 month prior to your first day on site (non-refundable from this point)

Timeline

1. Closing date for submission of EOIs: 20 June 2025
2. Assessment of EOIs: 23 - 27 June 2025
3. Decision making: 30 June - 11 July 2025
4. Letter of Agreement in Principle issued and invitation to submit formal event application sent: 14 - 18 July 2025
5. Formal event applications submitted: July - September 2025
6. Formal stakeholder consultations begin : September - November 2025

If you would like a 1-2-1 and/or site visit during stage 1. please email: events@southwark.gov.uk to arrange