The only reason I knew about the proposed events in Oak Hill Park was because on 8th February I was alerted by colleagues in CLARA (the Cockfosters Residents' Association) that the events were relocating from Trent Park to save the organisers money.
Yesterday (18 Apr) we belatedly received formal notice from the Council that - without any discussion with councillors or EBRA - the events are confirmed:
"Dear Councillors and EBRA
I am emailing to inform of the council’s initial acceptance of the event below, proposed to take place in Oak Hill Park on 13 & 14 July 2024.
Name: Mauritius Open Air Festival and Ghana Party In The Park 2024
Date: 13 & 14 July 2024
Site: Oak Hill Park
Time: 12:00 – 22:00 (tbc)
Onsite: 9 July 2024
Off site: 16 July 2024
Capacity: Maximum 4,000 including staff and contractors at peak operation, 5,000 total attendees daily
Event Overview: The Mauritius Open Air Festival and the Ghana Party In The Park in the UK is a one-day annual event that celebrates the vibrant culture and heritage of the island nation of Mauritius and Ghana.
Event: 1 x main stage, screens, food vendors, fun fair rides
The event organisers have attended the Council’s Safety Advisory Group and are required to submit a number of event and safety documents in line with our events in parks policy. The organisers are also required to write to local residents to provide relevant information in relation to matters such as waste, noise, parking etc.
Kind regards Matthew Gunyon (he/him)
Head of Greenspaces, Greenspaces & Leisure Communities, Adults and Health
London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW Tel: 020 8359 7403 Mob: 07949010855"
This is presumably what the Council calls "Community Engagement" but it seems more like an acrimonious divorce!
