Council Permission
Local Authority Permission
It is important that you consider what permissions may be necessary for your Get in the Picture event and that you have these in place well in advance of setting up your Nativity scene. Early contact with your local authority will also reveal what other events are taking place at the same time; you may want to choose your date to avoid these or alternatively you may find that there is mutual benefit in working together or alongside. Permissions should be requested in writing and you should allow plenty of time for the local authority or landlord to process your request and reply especially if it has to be discussed by a council committee beforehand.
Much will depend on where you plan to set up and whether this is on public or private land. Remember that many shopping centres are privately owned and you will need the landlord’s permission both to set up and to take photographs. If you are in any doubt whether your intended site is privately owned, your local authority should be able to advise you. For events on public land such as town parks, market squares or streets you should seek advice from your local authority. In most cases an initial enquiry to your Town or Parish Council offices is the best way to start – try the Town Clerk or Services Manager. Depending on local arrangements, you may be asked to contact your District, County or Unitary Council - you may even find that your town has an Events Manager who would be able to offer a wealth of information and advise you on where to set up, at what times and who to speak to about local advertising.
Keeping the Police Informed
It is a criminal offence to obstruct free passage on the highway and this includes footpaths and cycleways as well as roads. If the police do consider that you are causing an obstruction it is likely that you will simply be asked to move along. Talking with your local authority to agree a site in advance should avoid any problems but it would be wise to inform the local police of your intentions and to ensure that they are content with your plans. Again, it would be sensible to submit your plans in writing; include a brief description of the event, noting that you will be taking photographs (with parental consent for photographs of children), date, time and location and a point of contact in case the police have any questions or comment. You should aim to write at least 6 days before your first event.
