The Cabinet Member Signing meeting scheduled for Thursday, 19 March 2026, is set to consider applications for the hire of Finsbury Park for multi-event weekends. The meeting will also address filming at meetings and receive apologies for absence.

Park Hire Applications for Finsbury Park

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of applications from Festival Republic Ltd to hire Finsbury Park for multi-event weekends annually between 2028 and 2032. The report outlines that these applications are being considered under the Council's Outdoor Events Policy, which was approved in December 2013.

The applications seek to stage two consecutive three-day multi-event weekends in June and July each year. The report details that the expected attendance for these events is over 10,000, and they will last more than two days, with the organiser occupying the site for more than 14 days including setup and takedown periods. These criteria necessitate a decision from the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure.

The report notes that no comments were received from recognised stakeholders of Finsbury Park in response to the event notifications. The recommendation is for the Cabinet Member to grant conditional, in-principle agreement to hire the park to the applicant, subject to satisfaction with the terms of any proposed agreements and permissions.

The report highlights that rejecting the applications would have implications for the Parks & Climate Action service budget and reduce opportunities for reinvestment into Finsbury Park. It also states that the events contribute to supporting the local economy, developing the borough's cultural offer, and providing opportunities for local people to enjoy such events with minimal travel. The income generated from these events is intended for the benefit of the park itself, as required under the Open Spaces Act 1906.

The report also includes a detailed Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) which considers the potential impacts of the proposed events on various protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. The EQIA identifies potential negative impacts on certain groups, such as women with young children and people with disabilities, but outlines mitigating actions to minimise these effects. These include ensuring council-managed facilities remain open, providing alternative routes for park users, and maintaining accessible signage. The report also notes that the events are expected to generate significant revenue for the council, which will be used for managing, maintaining, and improving the park, as well as supporting relevant community groups.

An exempt item, EXEMPT - PARK HIRE APPLICATIONS BY LIVE NATION / FESTIVAL REPUBLIC LTD TO HIRE FINSBURY PARK FOR MULTI-EVENT WEEKENDS, is also listed on the agenda, indicating that further details related to the financial or business affairs of individuals or the authority may be discussed in private.