More festivals, open-air cinema and outdoor theatre are set to be held in parks across Richmond borough, under a new council strategy.

Richmond Council has adopted a new events policy for its parks, open spaces and commons, which aims to establish a diverse and varied events programme across the borough and increase accessibility with discounted tickets.

The new policy encourages organisers to hold more neighbourhood festivals, community events, open-air cinema and outdoor theatre, while aiming to protect Richmond's green spaces.

The council's Environment Committee agreed to replace the borough's 2012 policy with the new strategy on Tuesday (January 13).

The new strategy introduces measures to better protect the borough's parks, including limits on the size, frequency and operating hours of events.

Small events are defined as having up to 499 attendees, while medium events have between 500 and 4,999 visitors, large events have 5,000 to 9,999 participants and major events have 10,000 guests or more.

Large or major events can't take place at the same site on consecutive weekends under the policy, unless in exceptional circumstances.

No more than four major events and six large events can be held in the same place in any six-month period. All events will have to end by 10pm, unless they are licensed to run for longer.

Organisers will need to commit to reducing waste, protecting air quality and encouraging public transport.

For commercial events, they will need to contribute to the community by providing, for example, employment opportunities or supporting local projects. They will also need to provide free or cheaper tickets to eligible residents at events.

The council used feedback given during a consultation last year on the plans to finalise the policy.

Richmond has 128 parks and areas of open space. The policy covers parks the council owns, which do not include Kew Gardens or the Royal Parks Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

Barnes Green, which is one of Richmond's many green spaces. (Credit: Charlotte Lillywhite/LDRS)

Thorsten Dreyer, Head of Arts, Parks and Events, said the policy was "designed to ensure that events in our green spaces contribute to making Richmond green, safe and fair, while balancing community benefits with environmental protection".

He said: "Events in our parks and open spaces bring cultural, social and economic benefits, supporting local businesses and charities, creating opportunities for young people and helping communities come together.

"At the same time, we must manage these activities responsibly to protect our much-loved green spaces."

After the meeting, Lib Dem councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment Committee, added: "We're committed to ensuring these community spaces remain vibrant, while investing in their long-term care and preservation."