Richmond Italian-themed festival plans refused

Plans to host a Sicilian-themed festival on Richmond Green next summer have been rejected over concerns about safety, anti-social behaviour and noise.

Richmond Council refused an application for the Marzamemi Festival, which organisers wanted to bring to Richmond Green for the first time from 25 to 27 June 2027.

The event features Italian music, food, wine tasting, workshops, shopping and children's activities and was previously held in Old Deer Park in Richmond, south-west London.

A licensing committee ruled that the site, which it said experienced anti-social behaviour, could not safely accommodate an event attracting up to 4,999 people.

Festival founder Emily Ceraudo said the event would be a "boutique, family-friendly celebration of Italian food, craft and culture on Richmond Green" that would support local businesses.

Ceraudo said concerns had been addressed by reducing the festival's footprint to just over a third of the green, introducing strict noise controls and providing security staff.

The festival was due to close at 21:00 BST on 25 and 26 June, and at 19:00 on 27 June.

The plans prompted 45 objections, including concerns that public access to the popular open space would be restricted and that nearby residents would be disturbed by noise.

Among those objecting were Friends of Richmond Green and the Richmond Society.

Robert Tuday, representing the Richmond Society, told a licensing hearing on 19 October that he objected to removing "public access to a large area of Richmond Green for a substantial period, to the point of constituting a public nuisance".

Tuday said it would be to the "detriment of the non-paying public at large, who may wish to use the green and enjoy it as an amenity".

Resident Vivien Harris added: "The nuisance would not be limited to residents. Visitors wishing to enjoy the remaining accessible areas of Richmond Green for relaxation, recreation or family outings would also be subjected to the noise."

Ten letters did back the plans, describing the festival as a well-managed, family-friendly event that benefited the borough.

Local mother and business owner Tara Stevens said: "We are begging for more activities like this, that are super curated for young families, to be closer to home."

In its decision report, the committee said there was a significant risk of people breaking into the festival, and that its website gave the impression it was "alcohol led".

The report said that although the festival had previously been run successfully at Old Deer Park, staging a similar event on Richmond Green would not meet licensing objectives around public safety, crime and disorder, and public nuisance.

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