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

Application for Temporary Event Notice for Uganda Festival 2025

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr Daudi Mosh Alim for the Uganda Festival 2025, scheduled to take place at Damyns Hall Aerodrome on 6 September 2025. The applicant intended to supply alcohol and provide regulated entertainment between 12:00 and 22:00, with a maximum attendance of 499 people, including staff.

The Metropolitan Police submitted an objection to the TEN, citing concerns regarding public safety, the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance. PC Ellis Grote, representing the 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 seemed inconsistent with promotional material suggesting 13 acts. The police also raised concerns about the lack of engagement with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), difficulties in contacting the applicant, and the potential for numbers to exceed the stated limit, which would render the event unauthorised and liable for prosecution.

The applicant, represented by Ruth Dubé (Event Manager) and Joseph Shigund (owner of the organising company), explained that the relocation from Morden Park was due to restricted conditions there, and that Damyns Hall Aerodrome offered more space. They stated that their online ticket sales were currently around 300, and they were confident in managing numbers within the 499 limit. They also proposed the possibility of adding a second day (Sunday) if Saturday tickets sold well.

During the hearing, several concerns were raised by the subcommittee members:

• Staffing Numbers: The police estimated that a festival for 5,000 attendees would require 333-500 staff. For the proposed 499 attendees, the applicant's own figures suggested a staff presence of around 56, leaving limited capacity for actual attendees if all planned acts and support staff were present.
• Previous Intentions: The subcommittee noted the significant discrepancy between the current application for 499 attendees and the original intention for 2,000-3,000 attendees in Merton. While the applicant attributed this to a change in timing and community travel patterns, the police remained concerned about the potential for larger numbers.
• Traffic and Public Nuisance: Concerns were raised about potential traffic congestion in Upminster and surrounding areas, particularly given the distance from Upminster station and the availability of parking for up to 600 cars. The applicant stated they would direct attendees to public transport and had a plan for managing traffic flow into the car park.
• Relevant Entertainment : The applicant had ticked a box indicating the provision of relevant entertainment, which, according to the guidance, refers to sexually stimulating performances. The applicant clarified this was an administrative error and not their intention.
• Child Safety: The policy of children attending for free with an adult raised questions about tracking numbers and ensuring child safety, though the applicant outlined measures such as wristbands and an information point.
• Communication Issues: The police highlighted that they had tried to contact the applicant multiple times without success, which went to voicemail. The applicant explained this was due to a family bereavement in Uganda.
• Advertising: A flyer was presented that advertised more tickets at the door, which contradicted the applicant's assertion of online sales only and no walk-ups. The applicant stated this flyer was from the Merton application and would be updated.
• Security and Crime Prevention: The applicant detailed their security arrangements, including a security company, stewards, and SIA staff, and stated they would use metal detectors and undercover officers to detect weapons and suspicious activity.

After considering the submissions from the police and the applicant, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to reject the TEN application. They stated 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.