Advice and guidance for event organisers - Health and sustainability

Healthy food

If providing food at events, healthy food options should always be available.

• offer options with lower fat, sugar and salt
• ensure attendees with dietary requirements, food allergies or intolerances are catered for
• ensure food is labelled, including allergy information
• include a variety of fruit and vegetables to help people eat their "5-a-day"
• highlight healthier choices to attendees
• encourage caterers to offer some plant-based options, package-free or minimally packaged food, use seasonal and local produce

Food hygiene

• contracting a business in to cater for the event need to check they're registered on the food hygiene website
• check the food standard agency website to check for good ratings
• if doing your own catering, follow the Food Standards Agency guidance on providing food at community and charity events

Pollution from vehicles

Given the rural nature of Cumberland, it is difficult to minimise pollution from vehicles. However, ensuring venues have easy access to public transport and advertising this as an option for travel will help to promote sustainable travel while also making the event more accessible for all.

Noise pollution

Events where live music or PA systems are used, a noise management plan will need to be conducted to minimise disruption to the public.

See guidance for nuisances on GOV.UK website.

Sewerage and sanitary facilities

Events must provide adequate sanitary provision, made for the proposed capacity of an event in accordance with the recommended guidelines as per the purple guidance. However, please consult with the Events Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) for further clarification on sanitary facility provision at your event.

Toilet provision must be provided by a registered waste disposal business to ensure waste is disposed and managed appropriately. You should consider:

• disabled toilet provision
• managing maintenance of the facilities
• location of facilities
• washing facilities
• disposal of sanitary towels and nappies
• sewage disposal

Waste generation

To help reduce waste at events:

• reuse: move away from single-use disposable items to reusable items such as, reusable cups, race numbers, signage
• reduce: work with suppliers to limit the volume of materials being thrown away - assess portion sizes for food items to reduce the amount thrown away
• recycle: engage with attendees about the waste process and encourage recycling

Biodiversity

Any outdoor event being held in the Lake District can affect the local biodiversity of both animal and plant species which is unique to the region, especially the waterways. We therefore asks that organisers allow for the Cumbria Freshwater Invasive Non-Native Species (CFINNS) Initiative over a lake.

Public right of way

When hosting an event, particularly ones using public rights of way, It is important to consider how you can prevent damage and maintain surface condition. 

Closures

Ensure you have all relevant traffic regulation orders in place if the route requires a temporary closure for the event. There is a ten-week consultation period for these closures.

Advance planning

Engage in detailed planning with all stakeholders to identifying potential issues and creating strategies to address them.

Clear signage

Use clear and visible signage to inform competitors or participants that the public have the right of way when using public rights of way. This helps to manage the event without the need for a temporary closure.

Designated pathways

Any designated pathways set up for the event, using barriers or cones to clearly mark these areas, should not obstruct the use of any public right of way.

Communication

Communicate with the public in advance about the event and any changes to public access. This can be done through local media, social media, and community notices.

Monitoring and adjustment

Continuously monitor the event with competent marshals and be prepared to adjust as needed to maintain public access and safety.