The village green is at least 1,000 years old, and was once, in medieval times, a place on which villagers could freely graze their geese. The green was formally registered as a village green (registration No:VG10), under the Commons Registration Act 1968 (Register of Common Land and Town or Village Greens). This means that the Green is the property of the residents of Elwick and is under the control of the Parish Council and may only be used for leisure or recreational purposes.

Elwick Parish Council has adopted a Village Green Protocol to be followed by any-one wishing to use the village green for an organised activity. This Protocol may also be found on the Council Policies page.

If you wish to request use of the green for an activity, you must complete the online Booking Form below, and submit it, at least 14 days in advance of the proposed activity, together with proof of appropriate insurance cover, people to manage the event and any traffic arising from it, and a risk-assessment.

Byelaws: Byelaws exist to protect the Village Green and its users. All users of the Village Green must accept the existence of these Bye-laws and ensure that no breaches occur.

Car Parking: As the village does not have a public car park, the organisers of events that are likely to generate an influx of vehicles (greater than 30 non-parishioners) are required to ensure that off street parking is made available and vehicles directed to use it.

Litter: The organisers of any event are responsible for ensuring the Village Green is left clean and tidy, any refuse must be removed from the Village Green. Litter bins around the Village Green are for use by the general public and are not to be used by event organisers to dispose of refuse.

Insurance: Organisers of events are required to have a minimum of £10 million public liability insurance (the legal minimum required). Proof of the insurance must be passed to the Parish Council prior to the event, failure to do so will mean automatic cancellation of the booking. The organisers of events are required to comply with all requirements specified by their public liability insurer, including the completion of any risk assessment and the taking of any preventative action thus identified.

All independent persons, owners of mechanically propelled vehicles, or inflatable items, (such as Bouncy Castles), and the owners of any animals, must have their own Public Liability insurance.

Where an accident occurs in connection with or resulting from the event and is not covered by the organiser’s liability insurance, full liability is accepted by the event organiser/organisation. 

Policing: Where policing of an event is required either by the organiser, or by the Police themselves, the responsibility for organising the Policing as well as any cost associated with such Policing of the event will be borne entirely by the event organiser/ organisers.

Stewards:  Where events are likely to attract more than 50 people, the organiser should ensure that sufficient stewards are available (1:50)

First Aid: Organisers should ensure that qualified First Aid personnel are in attendance at large events