Story Highlight
– Central Park to host 5,000 capacity venue on Brighton beach.
– Six-week programme includes live music and FIFA screenings.
– Community concerns raised about noise and anti-social behaviour.
– Enhanced security measures and complaint hotline established.
– Council assures safety planning and partnership with organizers.
Full Story
From June 11 to July 19, Brighton will host a significant entertainment initiative at the Black Rock site along the beach, as Central Park transforms the area into a venue capable of accommodating 5,000 attendees. This six-week event is poised to offer an array of activities, including live music performances and club nights, alongside one of Europe’s largest open-air fan parks for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The fan zone will provide a platform for fans to gather and watch all three England matches against Panama, Ghana, and Croatia. However, this ambitious project has been met with some apprehension from local residents. At a community engagement meeting, members of the Liberal Democrat group voiced concerns regarding possible disruptions, such as anti-social behaviour, noise pollution, and the overall impact on local businesses and residents.
Event organisers have pledged to operate the fan zone with stringent regulations in place, assuring the public about the measures taken to minimize any disturbances. This includes employing beach security quad bikes to monitor the area during the England matches and establishing a hotline for residents to report any issues that may arise.
A representative from Central Park outlined the extensive safety protocols implemented for the event. “4TheFans and Central Park operate under strict rules and regulations. Our health and safety plans have been submitted, reviewed, and approved by Sussex Police and Brighton Council as part of the Safety Advisory Group,” he stated. He emphasized that additional precautions have been adopted to address potential disruptions. Measures encompass enhanced security presence along Madeira Drive to guide attendees towards the town and pier, increased lighting at the entrance for deterrence against anti-social behaviour, and the provision of a dedicated noise-complaint hotline for local residents.
He further elaborated, “We have also contracted the Beach Security quad bike to patrol the beach from 8pm during England matches, other sporting events, and significant music events at Central Park, ensuring safe egress with minimal disruption to the local community. 4TheFans is the UK’s leading fan park specialist and brings years of experience in running safe and well-managed events to Central Park. We will continue our collaboration with Sussex Police and Brighton Council to address any concerns raised by residents.”
At the aforementioned community meeting, Robert Brown, Liberal Democrat leader for the Kemptown ward, expressed the need for the Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police to provide reassurances, having consulted with nearby businesses anxious about the potential impact. Mr Brown particularly highlighted the later kickoff times of the matches against Croatia and Ghana, which are set to begin at 9pm, and Panama at 10pm.
In response, the council indicated that it is actively working with the event organisers to ensure safe and well-coordinated operations. Mr Brown underscored, “It’s not about opposing the event, but ensuring there are adequate measures in place. That is the priority. Businesses are worried about the aftermath and their condition in the morning.”
Additionally, he raised issues regarding potential anti-social behaviour stemming from alcohol consumption, as well as concerns about the event’s closeness to the sea, particularly in light of a recent tragic incident in which three women lost their lives in the water near Brighton Marina.
Councillor David McGregor, who oversees Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, responded to these concerns, reaffirming Brighton and Hove’s capability to host major events like Pride and the Marathon, alongside festivals and football matches. He noted, “Of course, any World Cup fan zone must be properly managed, with strong safety planning, police engagement, and respect for residents and businesses. That is precisely the work being undertaken.”
Cllr McGregor asserted that while residents’ genuine concerns deserve consideration, there is a distinction between solid inquiries and attempts to incite unnecessary fear regarding football fans prior to the event’s commencement. Regarding Mr Brown’s apprehensions about anti-social behaviour, Cllr McGregor remarked, “The World Cup should be an opportunity for people to unite and enjoy football, regardless of background. Brighton & Hove is a welcoming city with a passion for football. These aspects should not be seen as opposing forces but rather as integral elements contributing to our city’s vibrancy.”
He assured that collaboration would continue with event organisers, police, and the community to ensure the fan zone will emulate the enjoyable, safe, and memorable experiences provided by other significant events hosted in the city.
Additionally, a representative from Sussex Police commented on their preparation for the World Cup season, stating: “Sussex Police and Surrey Police have been coordinating with neighbouring forces, local authorities, partner agencies, and licensed venues to ensure that football fans can safely enjoy the FIFA World Cup across our region this summer. We are aware of several screening events, and as with any large gathering, appropriate policing resources will be in place. Those subject to Football Banning Orders will be monitored throughout the tournament, and any identified offences or breaches will be met with decisive action. We urge fans to show respect for one another and relish the football in a positive manner at designated venues.”
Our Thoughts
The article highlights concerns regarding potential anti-social behavior and noise disruption related to the Central Park fan zone at Brighton beach. To mitigate these risks, several measures have been proposed, such as increased security, noise-complaint hotlines, and patrolling quad bikes. However, more proactive engagement with local residents could have been beneficial, ensuring their concerns are addressed before the events begin, which aligns with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for risk assessment and stakeholder consultation.
Key lessons include the importance of thorough risk assessments and community involvement in planning large events to identify potential hazards and impacts. Ensuring all safety management plans comply with the Event Safety Guide and the relevant local authority regulations is critical.
Potential breaches of regulations could occur if sufficient crowd control measures fail or if local complaints about noise and anti-social behavior escalate without timely action from the event organizers. To prevent similar incidents, organizers should establish clear communication channels with residents and consider limiting event timings to mitigate disruption, ensuring compliance with the Licensing Act 2003.
