Story Highlight
– Central Park hosts 5,000-capacity venue from June 11.
– Live music and FIFA World Cup screenings planned.
– Community concerns raised over noise and anti-social behaviour.
– Strict regulations and security measures to mitigate disturbances.
– Brighton officials emphasize safe event management and inclusivity.
Full Story
From June 11 to July 19, Brighton’s Black Rock site will become a lively entertainment hub, capable of accommodating up to 5,000 guests. This six-week initiative, organised by Central Park, promises an engaging roster of activities, highlighted by live music events and club nights. Among its key features will be one of Europe’s largest open-air fan parks dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will showcase all three of England’s matches against Panama, Ghana, and Croatia.
However, the planned event has sparked concerns within the community. At a recent meeting attended by local residents, members of the Liberal Democrat group voiced apprehensions regarding potential anti-social behaviour, noise disturbances, and the overall impact on nearby residents and local businesses.
To address these concerns, event coordinators have insisted that the fan zone will operate strictly in accordance with established regulations. They announced measures designed to limit any likely disturbances. Central Park indicated that security personnel, including beach patrols using quad bikes, will be deployed during the screening of England’s matches. Furthermore, a dedicated complaint hotline will be available for local residents to voice their concerns.
A representative from Central Park stated, “4TheFans and Central Park operate under strict rules and regulations. Our health and safety plans have been submitted, reviewed, and approved by the Sussex Police and Brighton Council as part of the Safety Advisory Group.”
The spokesperson elaborated on the additional measures that have been implemented to alleviate potential disruptions. “These include extra security deployed along Madeira Drive to direct people towards town and the pier, increased lighting outside the entrance to highlight and deter anti-social behaviour, and a dedicated noise-complaint hotline for local residents,” they added.
Highlighting the importance of community engagement, the spokesperson mentioned that further details about the complaint hotline would be distributed to all homes in the vicinity, as well as being made available on the Central Park website.
In terms of security provisions, they continued, “We have also contracted Beach Security quad bikes to patrol the beach from 8pm during England matches, all sporting events, and any larger music events at Central Park, to ensure safe egress with minimal disruption to the local community.”
4TheFans, a leading UK specialist in fan parks, will bring its expertise to the event, prioritising safety and efficient management. “We will continue to work closely with Sussex Police and Brighton Council to ensure any concerns raised by residents are addressed,” the spokesman confirmed.
During the community meeting, Robert Brown, the Liberal Democrat leader for the Kemptown ward, sought assurances from Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police after discussing these issues with local business owners. He raised specific concerns about the timing of the matches, as the games against Croatia and Ghana will begin at 9pm, with the match against Panama starting at 10pm.
In response to the raised concerns, the council affirmed its commitment to overseeing the event to ensure it is executed safely and effectively. “It’s not about not having the event, it’s about making assurances that measures are in place. That’s the priority,” Mr Brown explained.
He stressed the need for attention to potential anti-social behaviour and noted the proximity of the event to the sea, raising worries about fans potentially ending up in the water—a subject that resonated following a recent tragedy that claimed the lives of three women near Brighton Marina.
Councillor David McGregor, Brighton & Hove’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, responded to these concerns by relating them to the city’s experience in hosting major events. “Brighton & Hove knows how to host major events safely and successfully, from Pride and the Marathon to festivals and football,” he commented.
He underlined that any fan zone associated with the World Cup must be managed with effective safety planning, police collaboration, and consideration for residents and businesses. “If people have genuine concerns, they should be heard and addressed. But there is a real difference between serious questions and trying to whip up panic about football fans before an event has even happened,” Cllr McGregor remarked.
Commenting on the issue of anti-social behaviour and discrimination, he added, “The World Cup should be a chance for people to come together and enjoy football whatever your background. Brighton & Hove is a city that is inclusive and football mad. Not in opposition of each other, but both built into the fabric of what makes our city special.”
Cllr McGregor pledged that discussions with event organisers, the police, and residents will continue to ensure that the fan zone provides a safe, enjoyable experience akin to other major events in the city.
In support of these safety measures, a spokesperson from Sussex Police confirmed their proactive approach to ensuring fan safety during the World Cup season. “Sussex Police and Surrey Police have been working with neighbouring forces, local authorities, partner agencies and licensed venues to ensure football fans can watch the FIFA World Cup in our region safely this summer,” they stated.
They reiterated that appropriate policing resources will be in place for large-scale events, and fans with Football Banning Orders would be closely monitored throughout the tournament. “We encourage fans to be respectful of each other and to enjoy the football at venues where matches will be shown,” the spokesperson concluded.
Our Thoughts
To prevent potential issues related to the Central Park fan zone in Brighton, several measures could enhance safety management. Firstly, a comprehensive risk assessment as per the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 should be conducted, considering specific late-night events and crowd control. Additionally, more robust measures to address anti-social behaviour and ensure public safety around the beach are necessary, especially given past incidents near the water, which raises concerns under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 regarding ensuring safety for all attendees.
The establishment of clear communication channels for addressing residents’ concerns prior to the event is vital, as effective engagement can help mitigate adverse reactions and ensure compliance with the Licensing Act 2003. Furthermore, although the event organisers claim to operate under strict regulations, transparent documentation of the safety plans reviewed by local authorities should be shared with the community to build trust.
Proactive measures, such as increased security presence and controlled egress strategies, must be monitored continuously, especially during peak attendance times. These steps would enhance safety and compliance, fostering a positive environment for both attendees and local residents.
