Safety Advisory Group (SAG)

The role of the group is to help to promote the health, safety and welfare of all those involved with public events. It is recognised that there is potential for risks to public safety and adverse environmental effects posed by the numbers of people attending such events unless proper management is in place.

Representatives of the group will use their professional judgement to consider proposals and they may help assess the risks to the general public. The group includes representatives from the Police, Fire, Ambulance and Local Authority and other parties who may have an input.

Even if you are an experienced organiser of public events, you cannot take anything for granted. The SAG exists to help you discharge your responsibilities – not to relieve you of your responsibilities. If you are in any doubt as to your legal responsibilities or potential liabilities you should seek your own legal advice. The final responsibility will be with the Event Organiser.

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.

The government has produced a leaflet about organising street parties or fetes. Copies of the leaflet can be downloaded below.

Click here to download leaflet 'organising street parties or fetes'. (word)

Click here to download leaflet 'organising street parties or fetes'. (pdf)

Click here for a flow diagram showing what happens after a notification is received. (word)

Click here for a flow diagram showing what happens after a notification is received. (pdf)

Click here to download the Northumberland County Council Event Notification Form (word)

Click here to download the Northumberland County Council Event Notification Form (pdf)

SPECIAL NOTE: The SAG is not responsible for giving permission to use Council land or granting licenses for events.