- Events
- Event Planning & Support
Event Planning & Support
Planning an event in Fife? Whether you’re organising a community gathering, festival, sports event, market or a one-off celebration, this page brings together the key support, contacts and next steps to help you plan a safe and successful event.
What counts as an event?
An event is any organised activity that brings people together in a public space or venue. This can include:
- community fairs and galas
- fundraising events
- sporting events
- parades
- musical events and performances
If you are planning an event that could impact public safety, traffic, local residents, you may need different licences or permits. You can take a look at what things to consider while planning your event.
How to get your planning started
Step 1 - Contact our Events Team
Our Events Team are here during office hours to guide you through the process of planning your event. You can contact us through:
e-mail: fifeevents@fife.gov.uk
phone: 01592 583109
We will send you everything you need to know about planning an event.
Step 2 - Submit an application
When you have an idea of where and when you want to hold your event, complete our application form and send it back to us. This allows us to secure your location and we will allocate your event to an Events Management Officer.
Step 3 - Event Management Officer
Your Events Management Officer will:
- talk through your event idea
- help identify what permissions, licences or safety measures you may need
- advise on timescales and required documentation
- support you to coordinate with relevant council services
We are here to guide and advise, however, we will not complete applications or manage the event on your behalf.
Giving enough notice
Timescales vary depending on the size and complexity of your event.
- Small events: less than 500 people will need a minimum of 6 week's notice
- Medium to large events: 500 to 10,000 people will need a minimum of 6 month's notice
- Major events: more than 10,000 people will need a minimum of 12 month's notice
These timescales help ensure you have enough time to apply for licences, consult with services, and put all required safety measures in place. We strongly recommend contacting us as early as possible to avoid delays.
Your responsibility as the event organiser
As the organiser you are responsible for:
- submitting any required licence or permit applications, such as Public Entertainment, Occasional Licence, road closures
- ensuring all documentation is completed accurately and submitted in good time
- putting appropriate safety measures in place
- complying with legal duties and local guidance
- managing the event on the day
Related publications
Contact the Fife Council Events Team
If you’d like to discuss your plans, sense-check timings, or understand what permissions may be required, contact the Events Team:
- Email: fifeevents@fife.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01592 583109
Funding support
Fife Strategic Events Fund Now CLOSED for Applications
Fife Council recognises the cultural and economic importance of events and aims to attract new events and support existing events to grow. The Fife Strategic Events Fund supports new or existing events with the capacity to grow and generate significant economic benefits, attract visitors, and raise Fife’s profile nationally or internationally.
Application criteria
Events should aim to:
- Attract a significant number of tourism visitors to Fife
- Benefit the local community
- Build legacy and contribute to Fife’s events portfolio
- Be organised by individuals/groups with a proven track record in event management
- Generate national and international media exposure
Funding rounds and timescales
The Fife Strategic Events Fund operates on a round-based application process to ensure events are assessed fairly and supported in good time.
Funding rounds for 2026
- Round 1: Applications close 1st March 2026, 12noon
- Round 2: Funding Applications open from 1st May 2026 Applications close 30th June 2026, 12noon
- Late applications will not be accepted
Event organisers must allow a minimum of 3 months between the funding application deadline and the delivery of their event. This allows sufficient time for assessment, decision-making and any follow-up required.
Planning your application
To help you choose the correct funding round, please consider the timing of your event carefully:
- Example:
An event taking place in August 2026 should apply to the March funding round, not the June round, to meet the minimum 3-month requirement.
Applications submitted too close to an event delivery date may not be eligible for consideration.
New funding criteria coming later in 2026
- Updated funding criteria will be published from June 2026 and will apply to future funding rounds.
For further guidance or to request an application form, please contact:
📧 strategic.events@fife.gov.uk
