The Licensing Sub-Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Monday 19 October 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for the Marzamemi Festival Ltd to be held on Richmond Green. After hearing representations from the applicant, objectors, and interested parties, the Sub-Committee decided to refuse the licence application.

Marzamemi Festival Ltd Application for Premises Licence on Richmond Green

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Marzamemi Festival Ltd, proposing a three-day event on Richmond Green in June 2027. The application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and for regulated entertainment.

Applicant's Case: Emily Ceraudo, representing Marzamemi Festival Ltd, presented the application, highlighting that the event is a family-friendly celebration of Italian food, craft, and culture. She stated that all music performances would take place inside marquees with specialist acoustic reduction equipment, and that strict monitoring would be in place to ensure noise levels did not exceed specified limits. Ms Ceraudo emphasised that no statutory Responsible Authorities had objected to the application, and that the operational design upheld all four licensing objectives. She detailed measures for crime prevention, public safety, and child safeguarding, including ticketed entry, bag searches, a zero-glass policy, and DBS-vetted staff for welfare facilities. The applicant also noted that 62% of Richmond Green would remain unfenced and accessible to the public, and that the event footprint had been reduced to 38% of the Green.

Objectors' Concerns: A significant number of objections were received from local residents, community groups, and ward councillors. The primary concerns raised revolved around the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the prevention of crime and disorder.

• Public Nuisance and Noise: Many objectors expressed deep concern about noise disturbance from amplified music, DJ sets, and crowd noise, particularly given Richmond Green's proximity to residential properties. Concerns were raised about the potential for noise to exceed acceptable levels, even within marquees, and the cumulative impact of three consecutive days of amplified sound. The potential for noise to be exacerbated by the Green's acoustics and wind conditions was also highlighted.
• Loss of Public Access and Suitability of Location: Objectors argued that fencing off a substantial area of Richmond Green would significantly restrict public access to a valued amenity, impacting its use for recreation, relaxation, and informal gatherings. The closure of established footpaths and the displacement of traditional activities like cricket were also cited. Many felt that Richmond Green was an unsuitable location for an event of this scale and format, suggesting that Old Deer Park, where the festival had previously been held, was a more appropriate venue due to its larger size and greater distance from residential areas.
• Crime and Disorder: Concerns were raised about the potential for increased anti-social behaviour, drunken behaviour, drug use, and crime, particularly given the sale of alcohol and the existing issues of anti-social behaviour on Richmond Green during summer months. The adequacy of security measures and the potential for disorder outside the event perimeter were questioned.
• Public Safety: Objectors raised concerns about public safety due to the scale of the event, the potential for overcrowding, and the adequacy of emergency exits and crowd management arrangements within the proposed site.
• Application Validity and Information: Some objectors, including the Friends of Richmond Green, questioned the validity of the application, arguing that the applicant had not yet secured the necessary permission from the Council as landowner to use Richmond Green. Concerns were also raised about the lack of detailed information regarding noise management plans and site layout at the time of the hearing.

Supporting Representations: A smaller number of representations were received in support of the application, describing the Marzamemi Festival as a well-managed, family-friendly event that provides cultural and community benefits. Supporters highlighted the proposed security measures, noise management plans, and provisions for children, stating that their previous experiences at the festival had been positive and safe.

Decision: After careful consideration of all the evidence presented, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to REFUSE the application for a premises licence. The decision was based on the Sub-Committee's concerns that granting the licence would not be commensurate with upholding the licensing objectives, specifically relating to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance. The Sub-Committee noted the lack of objections from Responsible Authorities but found that the cumulative impact of the proposed event on Richmond Green, a highly residential area already experiencing anti-social behaviour, posed significant risks. Concerns were also raised about the security of the perimeter fence and the potential for unauthorised access, which could breach capacity limits and increase risks of crime and disorder. The Sub-Committee was not satisfied that the number of people could be safely accommodated, citing concerns about public safety, particularly with limited exit points. Furthermore, the potential for public nuisance due to music and entertainment over three days, coupled with set-up and dismantling disruption, was deemed unmanageable through licensing conditions alone in such a sensitive residential location.

A written decision notice detailing the reasons for the refusal was to be issued within five working days. The applicant has the right to appeal the decision to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of receiving the notice.