Do I Need Insurance for a Village Fete?
Understanding UK legal requirements and why 95% of venues require proof of insurance before allowing community events.
Short Answer
Yes, you almost certainly need insurance. While UK law doesn't legally require village fete insurance, 95% of venues won't allow events without £5-10 million public liability coverage. Without it, organizers face personal liability for accidents and injuries.
The Legal Reality in the UK
There's no specific UK legislation that says "you must have insurance for a village fete." However, this legal gray area masks a practical reality: you cannot run a village fete without insurance. Here's why:
3 Reasons You Need Village Fete Insurance
1. Venue Requirements (95% of cases)
Village halls, church grounds, council land, and private venues almost always require proof of public liability insurance. Typical requirements:
- Village Halls: £5 million minimum, certificate required 2-4 weeks before
- Church Grounds: £5-10 million, policy must name the church
- Council/Public Land: £10 million minimum, strict documentation
- Private Land: Landowner discretion, but insurance strongly recommended
2. Personal Financial Risk
If someone is injured at your village fete and you have no insurance, organizing committee members can be held personally liable. Claims regularly exceed £10,000-£50,000. Without insurance:
- Your personal assets (home, savings) could be at risk
- You'll pay legal defense costs even if the claim fails
- Committee members face individual prosecution
- Future events become impossible to organize
3. Health & Safety Law Compliance
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires event organizers to manage risks. While not explicitly requiring insurance, having public liability cover demonstrates you've taken reasonable precautions - a key defense if accidents occur.
What Coverage Do You Actually Need?
Essential Coverage
Public Liability Insurance (Required)
Cost: £66-£165 for most village fetes
Coverage: Injury to attendees/volunteers, property damage
Minimum Amount: £5 million (£10 million for larger events)
Strongly Recommended
Event Cancellation Insurance
Cost: 10-15% of event budget (£95-£240 typical)
Covers: Weather cancellations, venue unavailability, key person illness
Worth it? If you've spent £1,500+ on deposits, entertainment, or equipment, absolutely yes.
Real-World Consequences Without Insurance
Case: Derbyshire Village Fete 2019
A village fete organizing committee proceeded without insurance to save £120. During the event, a gazebo collapsed in wind, injuring three people. Claims totaled £38,000.
Outcome:
Seven committee members were jointly liable. Two had to sell property to cover their share. The village hasn't held a fete since.
Case: Somerset Church Fete 2021
Church assumed their building insurance covered the annual summer fete. It didn't. A child suffered burns from a BBQ, leading to a £22,000 claim.
Outcome:
The church's general funds had to cover the claim, cancelling planned building repairs. The fete was permanently discontinued.
Special Situations
Q: Our parish council has insurance - are we covered?
Usually NO. Parish council insurance typically covers official council functions only, not community group events. Even if you're using council land, you need separate event insurance. Always check the policy wording - don't assume.
Action: Get written confirmation from the council's insurer or obtain separate event cover.
Q: We're a registered charity - does that change anything?
NO. Charity status doesn't exempt you from insurance requirements. In fact, charity trustees have additional fiduciary duties - running uninsured events could be seen as breach of trust.
Action: Charity-specific event insurance is available at similar prices to standard cover.
Q: It's a tiny fete with 30 people - surely we don't need insurance?
You still need it. Small events have the same liability risks as large ones. A single injury claim can bankrupt individuals. Plus, even if you're using your own garden, your home insurance won't cover public events.
Action: Small event insurance starts from £66 - a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
How to Get Insurance (Quick Steps)
- 1
Check venue requirements - Contact your venue to confirm required coverage level (usually £5-10 million)
- 2
Gather event details - Date, location, attendance estimate, activities planned
- 3
Get instant quotes - Use our calculator for immediate pricing from specialist providers
- 4
Receive certificate - Usually emailed within minutes, ready to send to your venue
Bottom Line: Don't Risk It
Village fete insurance costs £66-£336. A single injury claim costs £10,000-£50,000. Venue refusal stops your event entirely. The mathematics and risk management are clear: you need insurance.
Get Instant Quote - From £66