Bexley Council has granted a premises licence to Cheshire Food Festival Limited for an open-air food festival in Danson Park, Bexleyheath. The licence permits the sale of alcohol and entertainment from 09:30 to 21:00 for one weekend per year.

The licence, determined under delegated powers, allows Cheshire Food Festival Limited to host an open air food festival event 1 weekend per year - sale of alcohol & entertainment 09:30-21:00 each day in Danson Park.

The decision was noted in a report summarising licences granted under the Licensing Act 2003, which was presented to the Licensing Committee on Tuesday, 15 July 2025. The report, which can be found in the Public Reports Pack, detailed licences granted between 1 March 2025 and 30 June 2025.

The report pack stated that there had been eight new premises licences applications granted under delegated powers from 1st March 2025 to 30th June 2025, including the Cheshire Food Festival Limited for Danson Park. The Deputy Director, Strategic Planning & Housing has delegated powers to grant licences under the Licensing Act 2003 where there are no representations, or where representations are made and subsequently withdrawn. In such circumstances there is no discretion given to the licensing authority, and a licence must be issued. This indicates that no objections were received from local residents or businesses that prevented the licence from being granted.

While the specific details of the food and entertainment have not been released, the council's Statement of Licensing Policy outlines measures to ensure public safety at licensed events. These may include provisions for:

  • fire safety;
  • emergency communications policy and access for emergency vehicles;
  • number of trained first aiders and location of first aid kits;
  • dispersal policies, both routine and in the case of an emergency;
  • information on late-night transportation and any special arrangements in place to this effect; policies on prevention of drunkenness and drug taking;
  • glass collection and disposal;
  • limits on the maximum capacity: and
  • CCTV and lighting in and around the premises