Concerns have been raised regarding the licensing of the Willesden Temple's 50th Golden Jubilee celebration, scheduled to take place at Neasden Studios from 5 July to 13 July 2025. The Hindu community, both locally and internationally, is expected to attend the nine-day celebration. Activities are planned primarily for the mornings and evenings, with some evening events anticipated to draw crowds of up to 1750 attendees. The average expected attendance is over 1500 people per session.
The Brent Council Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee was due to meet to discuss an application from Mr Ravi Bhudiya for a new premises licence for the event at Neasden Studios, located at 430 High Road. The agenda stated that the application includes provisions for plays, live music, recorded music, and dance performances indoors. However, the meeting was cancelled.
The Licensing Officer, Esther Chan, submitted a holding representation, citing a lack of information to demonstrate how the applicant intended to uphold the licensing objectives. Ms. Chan requested further information including:
- Total capacity excluding authorised staff
- How the number of guests would be calculated
- Whether it was a ticketed event
- How many Security Industry Authority (SIA) door supervisors and stewards would be deployed each day
- What security checks would be undertaken
- Whether there was an event management plan including fire risk assessment
- Whether there was a noise and dispersal policy
Mr Bhudiya responded that the capacity would be 1700, guest numbers would be tracked using a clicker, and the event would not be ticketed. He stated that there would be 15 SIA staff and approximately 150 stewards.
When Ms Chan sought clarification on security checks, specifically asking about scanners or wands, Mr Bhudiya confirmed that no such measures would be in place, consistent with the Temple's usual practices. Alternative security measures will consist of 15 SIA staff and approximately 150 stewards.
The public reports pack included a Noise Management Policy, outlining the Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden's commitment to minimising noise impact, complying with regulations, and maintaining open communication with the community. The policy outlines several measures to minimize noise impact, including:
- Operating all events in a way that minimizes noise impact on local residents and businesses.
- Ensuring full compliance with environmental health regulations and licensing requirements.
- Maintaining open communication with the local community throughout the event.
- A closing announcement will be made 30 minutes before the end via the PA system, thanking attendees and requesting gradual departure.
- Final announcement 5 minutes before closure will kindly instruct attendees to begin exiting.
- Volunteers and stewards will guide a phased exit, encouraging dispersal in waves.
- All PA systems and amplified equipment are operated by qualified sound engineers.
- Sound levels are maintained within agreed parameters.
- Real-time monitoring of noise levels is conducted throughout all live sessions.
- Immediate adjustments are made if noise levels approach set limits.
- Pre-event sound tests will be conducted prior to live performances or speeches to ensure levels remain within agreed limits.
- Noise levels will be monitored continuously in real-time using calibrated sound level meters.
- A dedicated contact number will be provided to local residents and businesses for any noise-related concerns during the event.
The pack also contained a Street Procession – Event Management Plan, detailing the procession route scheduled for 5 July 2025, starting at Deerhurst Road and arriving at Neasden Studios. The plan mentions that Chevron Traffic Management will take full responsibility for traffic diversions, road closures, signage, and related staffing. Stewards from the Temple will work with CTM to ensure successful delivery of their objectives. The plan also mentions a shuttle service from the associated Temple in Kenton to Willesden Temple to reduce the number of cars coming to the event.
The Willesden Temple 50th Golden Jubilee Event Management Submission Pack stated that the event's activities would primarily take place in the mornings and evenings, with some evening events expected to attract large crowds. The specific activities planned for the celebration include:
- Religious Procession
- Evening Cultural Programme – Gujarati Singing
- Magician Performance (Richard Essien - Magical Bones)
- Gents Drama Performance
- Live Singing & Charity Musical Album Release – (non-commercial)
- Ladies Variety Performance (Cultural Dance, Singing, Acting)
- Ladies Drama – Women Empowerment
- Annual Gujarati Folk Dance Evening
- Two Prominent Folk Singers from India (200-year-old compositions)
- Closing Ceremony
The risk assessment summary identified potential hazards such as large crowds, traffic conflict, fire, medical emergencies, and noise complaints, with corresponding control measures outlined.
The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee meeting to discuss the application was scheduled for Tuesday 1 July 2025, but was cancelled.