Planning an event

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Each year Lake Macquarie hosts a wide range of events focused on music, food, arts and craft and sport. We welcome all new event ideas and have various resources available to assist in planning events around the city. 

Applying to hold an event on council land

All events held in Lake Macquarie should register with Council at least three months before the event date, by completing an event licence application form, or at a minimum discuss your event details with the events team three months prior by calling 02 4921 0333 or emailing [email protected]

Start by previewing the licence application form to ensure you have all of the documents and information you need, before you begin.

To discuss park availability and seek suggestions on which site would be most suitable for your event, contact the Events team

Event Licence Application 

Determining which booking form to complete 

If you are unsure whether your activity is large enough to require an event licence application, the following definitions should help you to decide.

Event licence application

  • There are commercial operators who are trading for general public use or servicing / interacting with the general public.
  • There is any infrastructure that could potentially cause significant damage to the park, e.g. large/heavy amusement rides; petting zoos/pony rides; large heavy vehicles
  • You intend to use a significant amount of Council supplied power
  • You need to ensure yours is the only event held at that particular location and time (unless agreed with both parties prior)
Note that you will pay commercial park hire rates and electricity hire fees as part of your event licence, according to the LMCC schedule of fees and charges

Event licence application form

Park booking form

A booking may be required or recommended if your function includes the below.

  • A gathering of over 100 people
  • A request to secure a particular area of a park for private events including weddings, family reunions, some sporting events (please enquire), company picnics, fundraising events, etc.
  • A request for vehicle access, electricity access, vendor infrastructure and small structures such as jumping castles.
  • A request to secure large bookable shelters, rotundas and stages for private use.

Note that other bookings can occur in the same park at the same time (you will be notified if there is anything significant which could impact on your booking). For a park booking you will pay community park hire rates according to the LMCC schedule of fees and charges.

Park booking form 

Notification of activity

If your activity does not clearly fit into either category mentioned above, and you think Council should still be notified of your activity, then please email your activity details to [email protected] and [email protected]

 A staff member will reply and let you know if any further information or action is required.  

Some instances where this notification of activity might be applicable:

  • If your activity is passing through Council land, with no specific gathering of people in one place
  • If your activity is mostly on the water with minimal activity on council land (e.g. if your land activities do not require a park or event booking as outlined above)
  • If your activity is predominately held on private land but may also impact users of nearby Council land

Fireworks

Any fireworks display held in the Lake Macquarie City Council area needs to complete a Fireworks notification form, whether held on public or private land. 

Event and Festival Funding 

Council supports event organisers and community groups to deliver events, festivals, sporting celebrations and conferences across the city, which benefit the community and support the outcomes of Council’s Events and Festivals Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028.

The Events and Festival Funding program aims to fund meaningful, creative and high-quality events for our community and visitors.

Event Planning Toolkit

Our Event Planning Toolkit(PDF, 10MB) is a useful guide with information and tips on hosting a successful event in our city. As every event is unique, the requirements and risk management will differ. Therefore, this document should be used as a general guide when planning and developing your event. 

Park Hire Terms and Conditions

Park Hire terms and conditions