The Licensing Sub-Committee of Havering Council met on Wednesday 27 August 2025 to consider an application for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for the Uganda Festival 2025 at Damyns Hall Aerodrome.

Uganda Festival 2025 Application Considered

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for the Uganda Festival 2025, proposed to be held at Damyns Hall Aerodrome on 6 September 2025. The applicant, Mr Daudi Mosh Alim, sought permission to supply alcohol and provide regulated entertainment between 12:00 and 21:00, with a maximum attendance of 499 people, including staff and performers.

The Metropolitan Police submitted an objection to the TEN, citing concerns across all four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. PC Ellis Grote, the Licensing Officer for the Metropolitan Police, highlighted that the original application for the festival in the London Borough of Merton was for 5,000 attendees, and that the current application for 499 people was still a cause for concern. The police noted a lack of engagement with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) regarding traffic management and security, and expressed doubts about the applicant's ability to manage the event safely given the potential for numbers to exceed the stated limit. They also raised concerns about the lack of plans to address issues related to drugs and weapons.

During the hearing, the applicant, represented by Joseph Sugund, explained that the move from Morden Park was due to restricted conditions there, and that the new venue offered more freedom. He stated that online ticket sales were currently below 300 and that they were aiming for around 450 attendees, not the maximum 499. Mr Sugund also mentioned that the event was intended to be a community event and that they had a security company with extensive experience in crowd control. He acknowledged that the initial promotional material had mentioned more tickets at the door but stated this was an error from the previous venue's advertising and that all communication now directed people to purchase tickets online.

However, the sub-committee expressed concerns. Councillor Philippa Crowder, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, noted that the applicant had not adequately prepared to promote the licensing objectives. The committee highlighted concerns about the potential for large numbers of attendees, traffic disruption due to parking, and the lack of detailed plans for managing public safety and preventing crime.

Ultimately, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to reject the TEN application. They stated that they were not convinced that the applicant had adequately prepared to promote the licensing objectives of public safety, prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. The applicant has 21 days to appeal this decision.