Italian-themed festival on Richmond Green rejected by council

Richmond Council has rejected plans for the Marzamemi Festival, a Sicilian-themed event, to take place on Richmond Green for the first time next summer. The licensing committee said the site could not be used safely for an attraction expected to draw up to 4,999 people, citing concerns over safety, anti-social behaviour and noise, and arguing the space had a history of such issues. Organisers had applied to hold the festival from 25 to 27 June 2027, with Italian music, food, wine tastings, workshops, shopping and children’s activities. The committee also noted a significant risk of people breaking into the festival and that its website suggested it was “alcohol led.”