Planning an event

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Lake Macquarie has a number of public spaces that are perfect for private gatherings or large public events and festivals. Should you wish to hold a gathering on Council land, regardless of the size or purpose, you are required to follow the appropriate booking process.

We manage our public space bookings in two categories:

  • Park bookings for private gatherings
  • Public or commercial events 

Park bookings for private gatherings

Can be defined by all or any of the following elements:

  • 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.
  • Payment of community park hire rates according to the LMCC schedule of fees and charges.

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).

Park Hire terms and conditions

Park booking form

Public or commercial events and festivals

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. 

Public or commercial events can be defined by one or all of the following elements:

  • Events delivered to the public by commercial operators or community organisations, with over 300 attendees.
  • Events that are fenced and/or ticketed and require exclusive use of a location for a set period of time.
  • The type and amount of infrastructure and vehicles used e.g. large/heavy amusement rides; petting zoos/pony rides; fencing; large heavy vehicles driving on the reserve.

Public or commercial events that meet one or more of the above criteria are required to apply for an event licence. 

Event Licence Terms and Conditions

Apply for an event licence

 

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 and high-quality events for our community and visitors.


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. 


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 events@lakemac.nsw.gov.au and parksfacbookings@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

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

 

Any questions?

Contact the LMCC Events Team
Phone: 02 4921 0544
Email: events@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

 

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