All events on campus organised by individuals, groups, internal departments or student societies require approval from the Director of Campus Services (or their designated deputy).
This includes:
- Charity collections
- Outdoor events
- Live performances
- Events with marquees or other temporary structures
- Firework displays
- Inflatables
- Distributing leaflets or putting up posters/stickers
This does not include:
- Protests
- Rallies
- Demonstrations
If you are arranging a protest or demonstration, you must request authorisation through the Freedom of Speech Event Authorisation Form by clicking here.
Find out more with our guide to Freedom of Speech
Applying to hold an event
A minimum of 28 days’ notice is required. (In exceptional circumstances approval may be given without the required notice period.) Granting of approval rests with the Director of Campus Services (or their authorised deputy).
Please ensure that the application form is signed and dated, and that you have provided a contact email address. On receipt, the decision will be sent by email within 5 working days.
Download the application form to hold an outdoor event/charitable collection (PDF – 122KB)
Which sections of the application form do I need to complete?
Sections to be completed depend on the nature of your event.
Event request | Sections to complete on this form | Additional forms or required submissions |
Temporary structures – marquees, gazebos and stages |
All sections |
Marquees form, risk assessment, method statement |
Displays – banners, posters, vehicles, exhibitions |
All sections |
Risk assessment, method statement |
Firework display |
All sections |
Risk assessment, method statement |
Leaflet distribution, posters or stickers |
Sections 1 – 3, 13 |
Risk assessment, method statement |
Market research or survey |
Section 1 – 4, 12 – 13 |
Risk assessment, method statement |
Cake sales and stalls |
Sections 1 – 3, 6, 11, 13 |
Catering request form, risk assessment, method statement |
Inflatables (guidelines available on request) |
Sections 1 – 4, 7, 10 – 12 |
Risk assessment, method statement |
Entertainment |
All sections |
Risk assessment, method statement |
Ring Road closure (for sporting events) |
Sections 1 – 3, 6, 8, 10, 12 – 13 |
Risk assessment, method statement |
Events with live entertainment, for which tickets are sold in advance, and/or an event requiring a bar licence extension |
All sections |
Risk assessment, method statement |
Charitable collections |
Sections 1 – 3, 6, 8, 12 – 14 |
Risk assessment, method statement |
Any other outdoor event |
All sections |
Risk assessment, method statement |
All event requests require a risk assessment, and a method statement (describing in a logical sequence exactly how a job is to be carried out in a safe manner and without risks to health).
How do I arrange a marquee for my event?
In the first instance, please contact Conferences & events on 0121 415 8400 or at info@conferences.bham.ac.uk to check your planned dates are available, and to discuss location.
Once this has been agreed, you should contact one of the University’s authorised suppliers, Fews or Crest.
You should then complete the Marquees form (PDF – 87KB), using the information provided by your marquee supplier. Full instructions are detailed on the form. You can download this form below, along with a map of the potential marquee locations available on campus.
Please note, you will also need
- a Permit to Dig from the University of Birmingham Estates maintenance team: please contact them direct on 0121 414 7283
- to complete the application form to hold an outdoor event/charitable collection
- to complete any other relevant forms detailed below
Do I need to apply for a licence for my event?
The University holds Premises Licences which permit licensable activities (sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment) on certain areas of the Edgbaston campus and within certain hours. Please check with Conferences & events (info@conferences.bham.ac.uk) or with Legal Services (legalservices@contacts.bham.ac.uk) to confirm whether the proposed event is covered by the licence and if any restrictions apply.
Please note: if your event involves licensable activities not covered by a Premises Licence, it is your responsibility to apply for a temporary licence (Temporary Event Notice), which will require a minimum of 14 days’ notice.
I am part of a Guild-affiliated student society
The Guild has its own processes for approving events. You need to contact the Student Groups Coordinator at the Guild to start this process.
I am part of a college-affiliated student society
Your first point of contact should be your college or department lead. Ask at your college or department’s reception for the right person to contact to organise an event, and they will provide you with the appropriate paperwork.
I am an individual student organising an event, not connected to any society
Your first point of contact should be your own college or department lead. Ask at your college or department’s reception for the right person to contact to organise an event, and they will provide you with the appropriate paperwork.
Additional requirements
Some events also require you to complete additional forms.
Freedom of Speech
As a higher education provider, the University has a legal responsibility to uphold Freedom of Speech. The University has a Code of Practice, and if your event includes an external speaker please review the process detailed on the page linked below.
If you are arranging a protest or demonstration, you must also request authorisation through the Freedom of Speech Event Authorisation Form by clicking below.
Find out more with our guide to Freedom of Speech
Conferences & Events
The University of Birmingham provides event management services and a wide range of venues, for many different kinds of events. If you’d like to book a venue, arrange delivered catering or catering for an event, or have support for a conference, contact the team today on 0121 415 8400 or info@conferences.bham.ac.uk. Visit the Conferences & Events website for a full listing of venues and services available.