Running an organised event

Guidance on running an organised event

The Peak District National Park is an incredibly popular location to hold organised events of all sizes. However, it is also a protected landscape which can be at risk from even low numbers of visitors or event participants at particular locations, if not properly managed.

Here you will find:

• Guidance and links to useful contacts and other information
• Our code of conduct - which we hope you will sign
• An online notification form to tell people about your event - please read the guidance and agree to the code of conduct before completing.
• An online calendar which will list events added via the online notification form

Our guidance aims to help you plan, organise and deliver a successful event that allows people to experience the huge benefits of the Peak District, without impacting on the special qualities that make it the UK’s original National Park. This information will also help ensure you have the correct permissions needed to undertake your event and avoid delays, cancellations or issues in running future events.

When you opt-in to our code of conduct...

• You can add your event details to our organised calendar at no cost, with a link to your website.
• The calendar will help event organisers and landowners to prevent clashes at key locations and dates.
• We will promote your event to the public through our online events calendar.
• Participants can be reassured that your event has been planned to minimise impacts on the National Park.

If you are considering running an event in the Peak District National Park do read and consider all the following information and guidelines to inform your planning.

What is an organised event?

An organised event in the National Park may be defined by a number of criteria, but for the purposes of our code of conduct and guidance an event...

• is organised for commercial benefit (profit), including fundraising for registered charities
• involves 50+ people on foot or 30+ people riding
• includes any organised event on the Tissington / High Peak / Monsal Trails
• includes traditional village events or community based fell-races.

Planning an organised event may involve seeking permission from landowners, liaising with local parish councils and sometimes requires special consent from Natural England. To avoid disappointment we advise that you begin this process 12 months before advertising or selling tickets for a planned event date. We understand that this might not always be possible, or necessary for smaller events. In this case try to aim for 6 months as a minimum.

What needs permission?

You will need permission from landowners if your event...

• is on private land
• includes setting up temporary structures e.g. signage, radio-masts, water stations
• uses permissive/concession paths – you can check these on an OS-Map
• is on open access land (and the event is for a commercial purpose)
• if the land is covered by a designation such as SSSI or a scheduled ancient monument.

Please note: It is good practice for an event organiser to contact landowners prior to organising an event even if permission is not strictly required. You can find details in the guidance under 'Who owns the land' and 'Does the chosen location impact any of the following'.

Please use our Peak District National Park Organised Event Guidance to support you in planning a successful event which protects the special qualities of your National Park along with respecting landowners, residents and visitors.