At sunset, viewers are treated to the viewing of classic film favourites. I watched Notting Hill, but other films such as Jaws and Dirty Dancing are upcoming. It is all about the outdoor experience: picnicking outside in a beautiful part of the countryside, poshcorn, beetle cars, bbq’ing local meat and a great film.
As I have reported on farm diversification projects in previous issues this experience got me thinking about the legal aspects to consider for such a diversification project:
1. a licence to screen the films would be needed from the Local Authority;
2. a landowner is allowed to host up to 28 public events on his/her land without requiring planning permission;
3. a temporary event notice from the Local Authority would be needed;
4. public liability insurance is a must;
5. employers’ liability insurance to cover any employees;
6. a contract with the farmer letting his field;
7. employee contracts; and
8. contracts with any third party providing services for the event such as catering.
The list is certainly not exhaustive but covers legal points any landowner should consider when hosting public events on their land.
‘Film on a Farm’ is certainly a novel diversification project and one that I think ‘strikes a chord’ with our younger generation of farmers coming through the ranks, in an industry that typically requires alternative forms of income to support core farming practice. For more information on ‘Film on a Farm’ visit www.filmonafarm.co.uk
