New council charges for community carnivals and charity events 'money grabbing' and 'unjust'

Traditionally, community events held on council-owned land were hosted for free on open spaces in towns across the area.

But after the introduction of a new ‘Parks and Open Spaces Policy’, organisers will be forced to fork out for use of the rec grounds, parks and green spaces.

Community gatherings on NNC land where there is ‘commercial activity’ will now have to pay to use the spaces, as well as stumping up a deposit. Events in Corby, Kettering, Desborough, Burton Latimer, and Wellingborough will now face a £165 charge with a returnable £300 deposit required for ‘reinstatement’ purposes.

After learning Desborough Carnival would be charged to use the Dunkirk Avenue Rec, Cllr David Howes (Cons, Desborough) called the decision 'money grabbing' and 'unjust'.

He said: “This is an unjust way of earning money from people who are putting on something nice for the community. NNC is money grabbing. How can it be right and proper to be charged to use a public space?”

"These events are organised by volunteers, bring the community together and raise money for local charities, groups and good causes.

"Many people simply do not believe organisations giving back to the town should be charged to use facilities that exist for the benefit of local residents.”

Cllr David Howes was an NNC executive member in the previous Conservative administration and says when officers suggested introducing the payments they had rejected the idea.

He said: “It feels distasteful as if they (the current Reform council executive) are getting rolled over. They (the officers) have tried this for years.

"Charging charities is not going to earn the council much money. It’s not going to make a dent in the £27m deficit. This is not ‘make or break for the authority – it’s utter nonsense.

“It’s not a tough decision, it’s the wrong decision. It’s made people organising these events say ‘why do we bother?’

“If you are a small charity with not much money in the bank you’ll have to pay out nearly £500. This is literally a money-making exercise, a way to earn dosh.”

Corby Highland Gathering will also be subject to the new fees, and although the charges will be a much smaller percentage of their costs, co-organiser Cllr Mark Pengelly says the decision is wrong in principle.

He said: “For the volunteers running these events to have to pay just seems wrong. For us the money is a small amount, but it’s the principle.”

NNC’s list for ‘fairs, circus and events’ covers the main park venues for large events, with any commercial events in any parks not listed incurring the same fees.

• Corby - Abington Road, Charter Fields, Coronation Park and West Glebe

• Kettering - Northampton Road Recreation Ground, Rockingham Road Pleasure Park, Highfield Road, North Park, Meadow Park, and Langley Way Park

• Desborough – Dunkirk Avenue

• Burton Latimer – King George V

• Wellingborough - Croyland Hall Gardens, Castle Fields, Bassetts Park, Dale End Park, Croyland Park, Eastfield Park, Glamis Grove, Queensway Park, Tithe Barn Green and Swanspool Gardens

In a letter to NNC council leader Cllr Martin Griffiths from Cllr Howes asking for a review of the decision that was made as part of the budget process, voted unanimously by councillors.

Not-for-profit organisations without commercial elements to their events will be allowed to use facilities for free.

An NNC spokesperson said: “We are aware that events like carnivals are much loved traditions for communities across North Northamptonshire and will always do all we can to ensure they can go ahead as they have done previously.

“In early 2025, before the start of the 2025-26 financial year, as part of the council’s new Parks and Open Spaces Policy, we introduced a new bookings policy for council-owned parks and open spaces.

"This included fees and charges for the hire of spaces for events like fairs, circuses and large events or events which have a commercial element to them, to cover the costs associated with bookings. All deposits are refundable.”

Desborough Carnival and Fete takes place on Saturday, June 27 2026 starting with the parade starting from Dunkirk Avenue at 1.30pm.

Corby Highland Gathering takes place on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 in the Charter Field.

For the full list of NNC Fees and Charges 2026/27 click here.