FI16819
Request
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting copies of the relevant documentation relating to an event held at Woodpecker Court, Adelaide Road, Eythorne, in December 2025.
The event, known as Winter Wonderland, took place on a site of approximately half an acre and was attended by approximately 920 people, arriving both by car and on foot. Access to the site was via a single-track road over a three-hour period. During this time, vehicle movements were taking place in both directions after dark, while parents and children were also using the same access route. In my view, this presented a significant safety concern.
The event also resulted in substantial traffic congestion for the duration of the event, with queues extending back to the main route into Elvington and causing considerable frustration among road users.
Accordingly, I request the following information:
- Confirmation of whether a risk assessment was submitted, and a copy if so
- The event site plan
- The traffic management plan, covering both vehicles and pedestrians
- Details of the qualifications held by marshals
- Details of the safety measures implemented
- The name and position of the Council’s event organiser
Response
Under Section 1(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, we have established that this information is not held. This is because the event did not go through Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) process as it was not on Council owned land and so there was no requirement for it do so. However, due to issues at the event and to ensure safety the event it will be going through ESAG process in 2026 at the organiser’s (private owner) request.