Our pricing, bond and payment policy
Our pricing policy is designed to recover the operational costs of maintaining our local parks, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
We offer differentiated pricing based on the type of hirer and the timing of the event.
Community versus commercial hirers
We are committed to supporting community activities and therefore offer greater discounts to community hirers compared to commercial entities.
This allows local groups and non-profit organisations to benefit from reduced rates, fostering a sense of community and encouraging local engagement.
Community rates are available to non-profit organisations, charities and community groups only, subject to the discretion of the council.
Commercial fees are charged to all profit making organisations.
Multi-day event and seasonal discounting
For events that require several days for set-up/take-down, we offer a discounting model for set-up/take-down days that acknowledges the use of the park for non-event days.
This ensures that multi-day events remain cost-effective, particularly for those with complex and lengthy build processes.
To balance demand and ensure fair access, our set-up and take-down discounting varies based on the time of year and week. Discounts are lower during summer periods, due to increased demand and the added maintenance required during peak season.
In contrast, discounting outside of peak season (other than over the Christmas period - December and New Year weekends) is higher, providing more affordable options for those flexible with their scheduling.
If set up/take-down takes place over a weekend in peak season (1 May - 30 September) each weekend day will be charged at full hire price, as the council cannot hire the park out or use it for other events, as such we encourage hirers to ensure their set-up takes place Monday - Friday to avoid increased costs.
Hire fees are charged for part or all of a full day's use, as the council is unable to use or hire out the space for another event.
Wear and tear policy
We maintain a fair wear and tear policy, understanding that normal use of the park may result in minor impacts.
To ensure transparency, we will conduct a walk-through with you at the beginning and end of your hire period.
This helps us assess the park's condition and address any concerns immediately.
Additional discounts
We also offer a range of additional discounts, including marketing opportunities for the council, opportunities for commercial activities for the council and more.
If you have any questions about other discounts. please call our event officers on 01543 308168 for a chat or email the events team.
Additional costs
Depending on the size of your events, you may need to attend the Safety Advisory Group.
The SAG is a forum for discussing and advising on public safety at events that take place in Lichfield District.
The group aims to help organisers with the planning and management of an event, and to encourage cooperation and coordination between all the relevant agencies.
If the SAG recommends additional measures in the park to ensure the safety of the proposed event, it is possible that charges for any necessary measures may be added to the hire cost of the park. These costs cannot be discounted by the council and are in addition to the cost of the hire of the park.
Deposit bond
For events attracting more than 500 attendees, a deposit bond is required at the time of booking to cover potential damages.
This bond will be held by the council for up to 28 days following the event and will be refunded (provided event payment has been made) after the final walk-through, provided no significant damage has occurred beyond normal wear and tear.
Payment policy
For new events or those where timely payment has been an issue in the past, we require 100% of the hire fees and deposit bond upfront*.
For established events with a history of prompt payments, 50% of the hire fee and the full deposit bond is required upfront, with the balance of hire fees due after the event*.
*unless in exceptional circumstances. Any waiver from the stated policy is wholly at the discretion of the council.
Any questions
We recommend you read our park hire terms and conditions before you apply to hire our parks, as there maybe some key areas that will have an impact on your ideas for your event.
If you have any questions about hosting an event in our parks, including our current discounting methodology, please call our event officers on 01543 308168 for a chat or email the events team.