However, hosting events on agricultural land involves far more than simply opening your field to the public.
Jo Soar, Senior Associate in the Licensing team, explains how landowners can successfully diversify into events by ensuring the right licences and permissions are in place from the outset, helping to avoid costly delays or enforcement action later on.
Why landowners are turning to events
Diversifying into events offers several benefits:
- Weddings and private hire can generate thousands per booking
- Festivals and fairs create repeat annual income streams
- Seasonal events (pumpkin patches, Christmas markets, glamping) maximise underused land
- It provides an alternative income source alongside farming operations
But with these opportunities comes responsibility, and several legal requirements that cannot be overlooked.
Licensing: the first step to getting it right
Before hosting any event, landowners must consider whether licensable activities will be taking place. This includes:
- Selling alcohol
- Live or recorded music
- Dancing and films
- Late-night food or drink (between 11pm and 5am)
If any of these apply, authorisation under the Licensing Act 2003 is required.
Temporary Event Notices (TENs)
For smaller, occasional events, a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is often sufficient. A TEN may be suitable where:
- The event has fewer than 500 people (including staff)
- It lasts no longer than 168 hours (seven days)
TENs offer a relatively straightforward route for one-off or infrequent events, making them popular for small weddings, private functions, or community gatherings.
Premises licences
For larger-scale events or where land is being used regularly as an event venue, a premises licence will be required.
This brings additional responsibilities. Local authorities will expect organisers to demonstrate that they have considered:
- Noise management
- Traffic and access arrangements
- Sanitation and waste facilities
- Health and safety measures
- Crowd management
Environmental Health and the police can object where there are concerns relating to public safety, crime prevention, or nuisance to neighbouring properties.
Planning considerations
Licensing is only part of the picture. Planning rules must also be considered.
While farmland can sometimes be used for temporary events without permission for a limited number of days each year, more regular or commercial use may amount to a material change of use, requiring formal planning consent.
Failing to address planning requirements early can result in enforcement action that disrupts or prevents future events.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Landowners new to events often encounter similar issues. These include:
- Assuming small events do not require licences
- Overlooking traffic and parking challenges in rural areas
- Failing to manage noise and impact on neighbours
- Hosting repeat events without appropriate planning consent
- Leaving licensing applications too late
Taking advice early can help avoid these problems and ensure events run smoothly.
The risks of getting it wrong
The consequences of non-compliance can be serious. Carrying out licensable activities without the correct authorisation is a criminal offence.
Penalties can include:
- Prosecution
- Unlimited fines
- Up to six months’ imprisonment
There is also the risk of reputational damage and the loss of future business opportunities.
Turning opportunity into success
With the right planning and support, using farmland for events can be a highly effective and sustainable diversification strategy. Whether you’re considering a one-off wedding or developing a long-term events business, understanding your legal obligations is key to making it work.
Our Licensing team work closely with landowners and rural businesses to help turn opportunities into successful, compliant ventures. From securing licences to navigating planning requirements, we provide clear, practical advice to help you move forward with confidence. Contact us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Disclaimer: This blog is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk to get tailored advice specific to your circumstances from our qualified lawyers.
