Types of events and activities

Angling competitions

Fourteen of our parks have angling facilities. All sites have an annual close season from 15 March to 15 June, except for Fox Hollies Park, Pype Hayes Park, Salford Park and Shenley Pool.

If you want to host an angling competition, you must apply for permission first. You will be charged a fee per peg required.

Find out more about fishing licences, tickets and charges.

Car boot sales

Car boot sales may be held to raise money for charity. Commercial car boot sales cannot be held in council parks or open spaces.

To apply to hold a charity boot sale, complete the park event application form and complete the car boot sale application form.

Conservation activities for friends/community groups

We know what brilliant work our Friends Groups do in parks and we want to support you with your planned activities.

Whether it’s conservation work at your local park on a voluntary basis, running a walking group or bird watching group, we want to know what you’re planning to be able to give you support delivering your activities and staying safe while you do.

Tell us what you have planned, so we can make sure you have everything in place you need and there are no conflicts with other events or planned activities.

Make sure you include the number of expected participants, and key information including the time of the event. If there will be more than 100 participants, you should fill in the main use of parks application.

If you do not provide this information, there may be a delay in approving the activity.

For BOSF member groups, one application can cover all your group’s activity for a full year from January to December.

Cycling events

If you are organising a cycling event, you must apply for permission first.

Film, TV and photography

Film or television production requests must be sent to FILM Birmingham. The team will liaise with all the relevant council departments on your behalf.

For further information visit Film Birmingham's website, email sindy.campbell@birmingham.gov.uk, or phone 0121 464 9305.

Funfairs and circuses

Some sites across Birmingham are suitable for funfair and circus operators to hold events. However, you must apply for permission first.

Religious gatherings

If you are organising a religious gathering, you must apply for permission first.

Sponsored walks/runs and fun days/runs

If you are organising a sponsored walk or run, you must apply for permission first.

You may want to use our Walk 2000 2km routes, which are already marked out in many of our parks and green open spaces. Routes are marked with a combination of wooden signposts and green footprints on the ground.

Sports training sessions

If you want to host a sports tournament that does not involve music or any other event activities, you can hire a sports pitch. You do not need to apply to hold an event. Email pitchbookings@birmingham.gov.uk for more details on pitch hire.

Our Sports Events team can give you advice and support on organising your event. Email eventsteam@birmingham.gov.uk for more details.

Wedding photography and filming

You are welcome to use our parks or green open spaces as backdrops for your wedding photographs or video. If you are using a professional photographer, you must apply for permission first and there will be a charge.

The photos and film must be for personal use only.

Page last updated: 22 May 2024