Running a safe community event

Advice and guidance from the Safety Advisory Group on running a safe community event. 

Useful links

• The purple guide to health, safety and welfare at music and other events
• Event safety guide – Health and Safety Executive 
• Managing crowds safely – Health and Safety Executive
• Street party guide

Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is new UK legislation designed to improve public safety by requiring those responsible for certain venues and events to take proportionate steps to prepare for and respond to the threat of terrorism. 

For event planners, this means implementing simple, practical measures—such as staff training and emergency procedures—to help protect attendees and reduce harm in the event of an attack. 

The law introduces a tiered approach based on venue size and capacity, ensuring that requirements are appropriate and manageable. This legislation supports a culture of preparedness and resilience across communities.

For full details and official guidance, visit the Martyn’s Law – GOV.UK.

Food and licensing

We’re the licensing authority as well as the enforcing authority for food safety legislation for food businesses trading in Newark and Sherwood.

Occupational health and safety

We are an enforcing authority for occupational health and safety at certain work premises where the main activity includes cultural, entertainment or sporting activities and for mobile catering units.

Construction activities, including the erection, use and dismantling of temporary demountable structures including stages, seating, marquees, grandstands, barriers, towers and masts to support media facilities is split between the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and ourselves.

The responsibility for these while they are being constructed or deconstructed lies with the HSE. We’re responsible for them while they’re in use.

Find out more about safe construction and use of temporary structure – Health and Safety Executive.

Outdoor events with music

If you’re running an outdoor event with music, this advice sheet provides noise control guidance.

The advice follows national guidance contained in the Code of practice on environmental noise control at concerts. 

Smokefree Nottinghamshire

Launched by a wide range of partners across both the city and county, Smokefree Nottinghamshire is working to create smokefree zones at events, especially where children are present.

Where possible, there is liaison with event organisers to make whole events Smokefree.

If you’re organising a large or small event and would like to support the Smokefree initiative, please contact us to find out more.

Lost child policy

The loss of a child should be classed as a priority incident, exceeded only by imminent threat to life.