b. Other events such as fetes, agricultural, horticultural and other shows

Under Section 44 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1890, local councils can temporarily close whole or part of parks or pleasure grounds to the public for various events, including agricultural shows, festivals, and other public purposes. These closures must meet specific conditions: they cannot exceed 12 days per year, last for more than 4 consecutive days, or include a Sunday. The events may be free or have an entry fee.

Section 145 of the Local Government Act 1972 further expands local councils' powers by allowing them to arrange, fund, or support a wide range of entertainment-related activities. This includes providing venues for entertainment, maintaining musical groups like bands or orchestras, promoting the arts, and covering incidental costs such as advertising or providing refreshments.

A local council also has the authority to:

• Enclose or designate parts of parks or pleasure grounds they own or control for specific uses.

• Allow others to use these areas or any theatre, concert hall, or dance hall they provide, on terms set by the council (including charging for admission).

• Charge for entry to any events, dances, or exhibitions, as well as for refreshments or programmes provided.

However, under Section 145 of the Local Government Act 1972, councils cannot override any covenants or conditions attached to the land without the consent of the relevant party. Additionally, these powers do not exempt councils from needing to obtain licenses for certain activities.

NALC sees no reason why fetes, etc, should not take place on village greens, but care should be taken to ensure that such events do not fall foul of the nineteenth-century legislation which protects greens.