Booking a Gala or Event

We're introducing a new, streamlined process for event applications. From Monday 30 March 2026, event organisers will complete an online Event Application Form for event registration.

Developed in partnership with East Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Council, the new approach creates a single, consistent route for registering and planning events. This simplifies the process for organisers, improves multi-agency coordination, and ensures a consistent experience for partners such as Police Scotland and NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

The updated process supports preparations for Martyn's Law also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.This new UK legislation is designed to strengthen security at public venues and protect people from the risk of terrorism.

Apply for a community event:

Community Event Application Form

Please ensure you read the below information and the SAC Events Toolkit (PDF, 639 KB) before submission.

Event or Gala at a Council Owned Property:
1. If you are looking to book an Event or Gala at any of the properties listed below, please contact Grounds Maintenance at [email protected] to check the dates available for your chosen location. If your chosen location is not on this list or any others, mention this in your email. Once your date has been confirmed, you will then need to fill in the community event application form above.
  
  Locations
  
  Ayr
  
  Low Green
  
  Old Racecourse/Old Racecourse Pavillion
  
  Glencairn Park
  
  Rozelle
  
  Rozelle Pavillion
  
  Maybole, Girvan and Southern Villages
  
  Ballantrae Park
  
  Colmonell Village Playpark
  
  Crosshill Bowling Club
  
  Glebe Park, Maybole
  
  Kennedy Park, Dunure
  
  Kirkmichael Playing fields
  
  Memorial Park, Dailly
  
  Victory Park, Girvan
  
  Prestwick, Troon and Northern Villages
  
  Boydfield Gardens Prestwick
  
  Dundonald Playing Fields
  
  Monkton Playing Fields
  
  Troon South Beach Promenade Grassed Area south of South Beach Ice Cream Kiosk
  
  Shaw Park, Symington
  
  Coylton Park
Event at a Non-Council Owned Property
1. If you are looking to notify us of an event or Gala at a Non-Council owned property, please submit a Community Event Form.
  Please read the Toolkit before applying. SAC Event Toolkit
  Community Event Application Form
Event at Halls or Pitches:
1. If looking to book an event and any of the below locations, please follow the link below to the appropriate forms
  
  3G & Grass Sports
  
  Halls & Community Facilities
  
  School Halls
  
  Town Halls
FAQ
1. 1) If I've already contacted the council about an event, do I still need to fill out this form?
  
  No, if you've already applied, you do not need to fill out a new form.
2. 2) Will every event be reviewed by the Safety Advisory Group?
  
  No. Events will be scored, and this will determine whether further consideration is required.
3. 3) What information do I need to provide if I want to host an event?
  
  The form will ask you to provide information about the event such as, location, expected attendance and safety measures.
4. 4) Who's responsible for compliance?
  
  The "responsible person" for the event (owner or operator) is responsible for ensuring compliance, even if tasks are outsourced.
5. 5) Do I need to fill in the form for a wedding or birthday party?
  
  Yes, if the event is taking place outdoors on council owned land, or is of a large enough scale to have an effect on the surrounding area e.g. the road network.
6. 6) Do sporting events need to be registered?
  
  Yes. All notified events, including sports fixtures, will be added to the consolidated events calendar.
7. 7) Do I need to fill out a form when the sporting event is small scale, like a football tournament for children?
  
  Yes, if the event is taking place outdoors on council owned land, or is of a large enough scale to have an effect on the surrounding area e.g. the road network.
8. 8) Do religious events / festivals require a form?
  
  Yes, if the event is taking place outdoors on council owned land, or is of a large enough scale to have an effect on the surrounding area e.g. the road network.
9. 9) Are there any exemptions?
  
  Yes, private events taking place on private land, that do not have an effect on the surrounding area.
10. 10) What's Martyn's Law?
  
  Martyn's Law (the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) requires certain public venues and events in the UK to implement proportionate security measures to enhance public safety against terror threats. For more information on Martyn's Law
11. 11) Who does Martyn's Law apply to?
  
  Martyn's Law is expected to come into full legal effect around April 2027.
12. 12) When will Martyn's Law come into effect?
  
  It applies to events open to the public, with 800+ attendees (present at the same time) and where entry is controlled. Educational establishments and places of worship are excluded from this. Event organisers will be required to implement public protection procedures (e.g. evacuation plans) and public protection measures (e.g. bag searches, CCTV etc).
13. 13) Will I still need to apply for licenses?
  
  Yes, after you have completed the community event application form, you will receive an email response detailing the next steps which may include applying for various licenses.

South Ayrshire Council

Booking a Gala or Event

Locations

Ayr

Maybole, Girvan and Southern Villages

Prestwick, Troon and Northern Villages