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 booking form 

Public or commercial events

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. 

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

  • Events open to the public with attendees ranging from 300 – over 10,000
  • Events that are free, ticketed or fenced and delivered to the public by commercial operators or community organisations.
  • Commercial operators are trading at the event for general public use or servicing / interacting with the general public
  • The type and amount of infrastructure and vehicles used e.g. large/heavy amusement rides; petting zoos/pony rides; large heavy vehicles driving on the reserve
  • The requirement of exclusive use of a location for a set period of time.
  • The payment of commercial park hire rates and electricity hire fees as part of your event licence, according to the LMCC schedule of fees and charges.
  • The requirement for an event licence application and approval to hold the event.

Applying for an event licence

All public or commercial events held in Lake Macquarie must complete an event licence application form with Council at least three months before the event date.

To confirm the availability of your preferred Lake Mac location or to seek suggestions on which site would be most suitable for your event, please call 02 4921 0333 or email [email protected] to discuss your event with the LMCC events team.

Event Licence Application 

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

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

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