Italian-themed festival applies for Richmond event

A family-friendly Italian-themed festival could take place in south-west London in June.

Sicilian-themed Marzamemi Festival has applied for a three-day event on Richmond Green from 25 June, offering live Italian music, banquets and food stalls, cooking workshops, wine tasting, craft classes, shopping and children's activities.

The plan was welcomed by some but received 45 objections over concerns of noise and restricted access to the park.

Event founder Emily Ceraudo said it would be a "boutique, family-friendly celebration" that supported local businesses. It was previously held in Old Deer Park.

Robert Tuday, representing The Richmond Society, told Richmond Council's licensing hearing on Monday that he objected to taking away "public access to a large area of Richmond Green for a substantial period, to the point of constituting a public nuisance".

Katie Mansfield, lead member for Richmond town centre, said she did not believe the green was the right location for an event of "this scale or format".

Other residents backed the plans, with 10 letters of support.

Local mother and business owner Tara Stevens told the hearing: "We are begging for more activities like this, that are super-curated for young families, to be closer to home."

Under the plans, the 4,999-capacity event would occupy slightly more than a third of Richmond Green, and performances would take place inside marquees.

It would end by 21:00 BST on 25 and 26 June, and 19:00 BST on 27 June, with entry free for children.

Ceraudo added: "It's very much a family-friendly festival… it's at the forefront of the design of the event strategy."

Richmond's licensing committee will make a decision in the coming days.

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