Council blocks 5,000-person Sicilian festival on Richmond Green

Richmond Council has rejected plans to host a large Italian-themed festival on Richmond Green next summer. The decision comes after a licensing committee determined the site could not safely accommodate the expected crowds.

Organizers sought permission for the Marzamemi Festival to take place from June 25 to 27, 2027. The proposal called for an audience of up to 4,999 attendees. The committee ruled that the green space, which they noted experiences anti-social behavior, was ill-suited for an event of that scale. They concluded that the plan failed to meet licensing objectives regarding public safety, crime, and disorder.

Emily Ceraudo, the festival founder, described the event as a boutique, family-friendly celebration of Italian food, craft, and culture. She stated the festival would support local businesses and had been scaled down to occupy just over one-third of the green. Ceraudo noted that the organizers introduced strict noise controls and hired security staff to address concerns. The event was scheduled to close at 21:00 BST on the first two days and at 19:00 on the final day.

The application drew 45 objections from local groups and residents. Friends of Richmond Green and the Richmond Society both opposed the plans. Robert Tuday, representing the Richmond Society, argued at a hearing on October 19 that removing public access to a large area of the green for such a long period constituted a public nuisance. He said the change would be to the detriment of non-paying members of the public who use the space as an amenity.

Resident Vivien Harris added that the noise would affect more than just nearby homes. She said visitors using the remaining accessible areas for relaxation or family outings would also be subjected to the sound. The committee’s decision report highlighted a risk of uninvited people breaking into the festival. It also noted that the festival's website gave the impression it was alcohol-led, a point that weighed on the committee's view of public nuisance.

Ten letters supported the proposal, describing the event as well-managed and beneficial to the borough. Tara Stevens, a local business owner and mother, wrote that the community is begging for more curated activities for young families to be closer to home. The festival had previously been held at Old Deer Park in Richmond, where it featured music, food, wine tasting, and workshops.

The committee’s final report stated that while the festival ran successfully at Old Deer Park, staging a similar event on Richmond Green would not meet the necessary licensing objectives. The rejection marks a setback for organizers who had planned their first venture into this specific part of the borough.