So, I'm holding a Festival.

[Jonny_Darko]

Me and my housemates have a large house with a large back garden, no neighbours behind or to either side...and we've had a couple of parties quite successfully so far.

At the last one we even had a set from a local rock band out on the patio, which went down so well that we're holding a festival - Basingstock.

So far we have about 6 rock bands, a hip-hop outfit, and three DJs coming (all of whom are playing for free as they are mates). Apparently we are expecting 150 people or so overall! We are not charging, not selling drinks, but will be playing amplified live music from about 4 in the afternoon until 10-11 at night.

What I want to know is whether anyone knows if we'll be breaking any laws?

 

[Summo]

Yes. The Cessation Of Fun and Amusement Act, 1972.

But in real life, if members of the public are invited aren't there issues with alcholhol being consumed onsite without a license, and maybe a need for Public Liability Insurance?

I dunno.

Have I helped?

 

[Whipped]

And there was me thinking we were all being invited.

Bad Johnny

 

[Xtro]

Do you have security?

I recently organised a bash in Bournemouth for approx 200 people. Although we had a large secluded house with its own land (a bit like the one in Amityville ) I still figured we were going to get gatecrashers and general riff raff.

Luckily I have a mate who is a Professional Door Supervisor (ie. a bouncer but don't tell him I said that), full licensed etc etc - him and two of his mates offered to supervise and did indeed turn out to be needed.

You're going to make noise, which legal or otherwise WILL attract the police. Be prepared for their arrival, and make sure your guests are.

As for expecting 150, I usually double any expected numbers just in case.

Also, what about First Aid'ers and a Portaloo? With 150 (maybe a lot more) you're going to need somewhere for them to pass all that beer I hired one for only £20.

I'd be wary of calling it a festival - it only takes one mate to mention he's "going to a festival" to the wrong person and word of mouth = cops sniffing around...have you got an entertainments licence or such bollocks.

Have a good time cleaning up and hope it all goes well Hope I don't sound pessimistic, just too aware that some people like to spoil others fun :|

 

[Jonny_Darko]

I have been told to stop inviting people as it's blown up a bit bigger than I meant it to. Many of my closest friends aren't even coming.

I can't believe you have to have some kind of license for people to drink alcohol...it's just a party essentially, but with live music. Anyone can host a party surely?

Also, what happens if the cops do show up in terms of the fact that I imagine there will be some pot being smoked by some there. It's not a pills / coke / crack crowd to be honest so are they likely to give a monkeys?

 

[Tom]

Tell your neighbours whats happening, that way they won't complain.

 

[bigbb]

I'd research the term 'private party' and where its legal bounds are.

 

[Xtro]

Jonny

Its one thing to hear about a party but when people start saying oh theres a FESTIVAL and its FREE....eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

You won't need a licence for alcohol as you aren't selling but you MAY need an entertainments licence for the bands. Please don't quote me I'm really no expert! I've just had DJ's/sound sytems before.

Remember the bands are going to bring their mates surely? Gonna spiral sorry mate!

Tom is quite right too, its best to warn your neighbours even if they won't be disturbed. Then they can't whinge too much as they were forewarned. Always good to keep them chummy.

ANY large gathering of people is going to attract the cops isn't it. Think about it - joe plod and his mate are sat in the car bored of pulling people over who have a light out on their car or something. They get a chance to "raid" an "illegal festival" - they're gonna jump at the chance heh.

If you have a lot of people smoking weed coppers won't be happy. They can turn a blind eye sometimes, luck of the draw. My local coppers are quite sound but if I was in your shoes I'd be prepared for a ticking off rather than a formal caution or anything.

I'd personally have just got 1 band and a dj, and invited about 50. Walk before you run etc etc.

 

[Jonny_Darko]

I'd personally have just got 1 band and a dj, and invited about 50. Walk before you run etc etc.

We did this last month, it was genius!

 

[Frizz]

Don't you only need a license if you're trying to make money?

 

[nath]

You could find the number of your local police station, give them a bell and talk to them about it - see if there's any legal gubbins you should know about.

 

[wyrd_fish]

You could find the number of your local police station, give them a bell and talk to them about it - see if there's any legal gubbins you should know about.

^ best advice so far


a friend of mine's band organised Y-rock in your a few mnths ago, around 12 bands

they had security, firstaid, burger vans, public toilets etc

they also had a grant from the council, which made things easyer, as the PA&light hire was round £1k

 

[DaGaffer]

Me and my housemates have a large house with a large back garden, no neighbours behind or to either side...and we've had a couple of parties quite successfully so far.

At the last one we even had a set from a local rock band out on the patio, which went down so well that we're holding a festival - Basingstock.

So far we have about 6 rock bands, a hip-hop outfit, and three DJs coming (all of whom are playing for free as they are mates). Apparently we are expecting 150 people or so overall! We are not charging, not selling drinks, but will be playing amplified live music from about 4 in the afternoon until 10-11 at night.

What I want to know is whether anyone knows if we'll be breaking any laws?

And my invite is where exactly?

 

[Jonaldo]

And my invite is where exactly?

In the post!

*wink*

It might get lost with the others!