There are two Safety Advisory Groups working in Darlington – one that deals with the issue of Sports Safety Certificates and the other that deals with Public Events.
The core members of the Public Events Safety Advisory Group (PESAG) comprises senior officers from all the emergency services (Police, Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance NHS Trust) and Council Services (Highways, Traffic Management, Building Control, Environmental Health and Licensing) working in the Borough of Darlington. The Group is chaired by the Council’s Environmental Health Manager. The terms of reference for the group and a summary of their roles is published in the PESAG Protocol - pdf document
When dealing with operational issues the Chair of the Group may also invite persons who can contribute to the discussion e.g. event organiser, licence holder, Civil Contingencies Unit, public transport providers, town centre manager, Primary Care Trust.
Public Events Calendar 2008 (pdf document)
Public Events Calendar 2007 (pdf document)
Public Events Calendar 2006 (pdf document)
View minutes of PESAG meetings
PESAG’s main objectives are:
• To promote high levels of safety and welfare at events by giving advice;
• To promote good practice in safety and welfare planning for events; and
• To ensure events cause minimal adverse impact.
The Group meets regularly to jointly consider forthcoming events and to give advice to organisers. In this way, all the agencies can consider the implications and ensure that there are sufficient resources available should there be an incident for which they are required.
SPECIAL NOTE: PESAG is not responsible for giving permission to use Council land or granting licenses for events . If any organisation or community group wishes to use any park or open space that is managed by the Council they should request permission from Phil Roxby (Parks and Countryside Manager) by telephoning 01325 388728. For the pedestrianised areas of the Town Centre telephone the Events Team 01325 388151 or 388427.
Where a licence is required an application must be submitted separately to the licensing authority licensing@darlington.gov.uk.
What sort of events does PESAG consider?
Usually an event held outdoors, possibly with marquees or other temporary buildings. Typical examples of events would include:
• Fetes, fairs etc.
• Open air concerts and music festivals.
• Trade shows.
• Sporting events.
• Horse shows, agricultural shows, dog shows car, caravan shows and similar.
• Open air entertainment including theatre, opera and historic re-enactments.
• Firework displays.
• Large scale company parties.
• Processions, marches and carnivals.
• Street parties.
• Religious events.
In exceptional circumstances PESAG may consider an event with unusual hazards or risks held inside a building. If you need further information about the work of PESAG please telephone: 01325 388502 to speak to an officer in the Public Protection Division. You can alternatively fax to 01325 388555; write to Public Protection Division, 11 Houndgate, Darlington DL1 5RF; or, send an email to publicprotection@darlington.gov.uk
Information on how to apply to hold an event