4,999: The Capacity Limit That Sank Richmond Green Festival Plans

Richmond Council has rejected an application to host the Marzamemi Festival on Richmond Green next summer. The committee decided on 19 October that the site could not safely handle the event, which organisers hoped would draw up to 4,999 people between 25 and 27 June 2027. The decision ends plans to bring the Italian-themed celebration, featuring music, food, and wine tasting, to the south-west London park for the first time.

The Marzamemi Festival was previously held at Old Deer Park in Richmond. Founder Emily Ceraudo described the proposed event as a boutique, family-friendly celebration of Italian culture that would support local businesses. She stated that the team had addressed previous concerns by limiting the festival footprint to just over a third of the green. Ceraudo also noted plans for strict noise controls and additional security staff. The schedule called for the event to close at 21:00 BST on the first two days and at 19:00 on the final day.

The proposal faced immediate opposition from residents and local groups. A total of 45 objections were filed against the plans. Friends of Richmond Green and the Richmond Society were among the groups that spoke out. Robert Tuday, representing the Richmond Society, argued during the licensing hearing that removing public access to a large area of the green for a substantial period constituted a public nuisance. He said the change would be to the detriment of the non-paying public who use the space as an amenity.

Vivien Harris, a local resident, added that the noise would affect more than just nearby houses. She warned that visitors using the remaining accessible areas for relaxation or family outings would also be subjected to the sound. The committee’s decision report noted a significant risk of people breaking into the festival. It also stated that the event’s website gave the impression that the festival was alcohol led. These factors contributed to the committee’s view that the event would not meet licensing objectives for public safety and crime prevention.

Not all feedback was negative. Ten letters supported the application, describing the festival as well-managed and beneficial to the borough. Tara Stevens, a local mother and business owner, said she was begging for more curated activities for young families closer to home. Despite this support, the licensing committee ruled that staging the event on Richmond Green would not satisfy the required standards for public nuisance and disorder.

The committee’s refusal means the Marzamemi Festival will not take place on Richmond Green in June 2027. The decision was based on the specific risks identified for that location, including anti-social behaviour and safety concerns for the projected crowd size. The event remains scheduled for other venues, though no new dates for a London return have been announced in the current decision.