Event Permit Tilburg
An event permit is the official permission from the Municipality of Tilburg to hold a public event, such as a festival in the Spoorzone, a market on the Heuvel, or a sports event at the Pieter van den Hoogenband Swimming Stadium. This permit ensures your activity runs safely, complies with local standards, and causes no nuisance in the city. Organizing without a permit can result in fines or immediate shutdown by the mayor.
What does an event permit entail in Tilburg?
The permit sets conditions for using public spaces during public gatherings. It covers temporary events that disrupt daily life, such as noise in residential areas, traffic congestion around the Ringbaan, or extra litter. The General Local Ordinance (APV) of the Municipality of Tilburg defines an 'event' broadly, from small fairs to large-scale parties like during carnival.
Small private parties, like a birthday in your garden in the Het Zand neighborhood, usually do not require a permit. But if outsiders spill onto the street, such as at a block party on the Korvelboulevard, an application is mandatory.
When is an event permit required in Tilburg?
You must apply for a permit from the Municipality of Tilburg if your event:
- Occupies the public road, such as on the Paleisring;
- Produces excessive noise above Tilburg's limits;
- Serves alcohol (requires an additional hospitality permit);
- Attracts more than 50 attendees;
- Involves setting up stages, tents, or stalls.
Tilburg examples:
- Required: A street party with stalls in the city center, a running race through the Leijpark, or a concert on the Stadhuisplein.
- Not required: A private gathering in a venue like Corso or a small-scale BBQ without using the street.
Consult the APV on the Municipality of Tilburg website or contact the Tilburg Legal Advice Center for advice.
Legal basis in Tilburg
The event permit is based on the Municipalities Act (arts. 151-156), under which the Municipality of Tilburg sets rules via the APV. Tilburg also has a specific Events Ordinance. Relevant laws include:
- Noise: Activities Decree on Environmental Management.
- Safety: Safety Regions Act and mayor's powers.
- Alcohol: Alcohol Act (art. 3).
The mayor may refuse if there are risks to public order, health, or the environment. More info in our article on applying for permits.
Applying for an event permit in Tilburg: step-by-step guide
Submit your application via the Municipality of Tilburg Digital Counter (Omgevingsloket). Follow these steps:
- Check requirements: Review the APV and consult Tilburg's events coordinator.
- Gather documents: Risk assessment, site plan, insurance, operations manual.
- Submit: At least 20 working days in advance (8-12 weeks for larger events like fairground activities).
- Pay fees: Decision within max. 8 weeks (Awb art. 4:18).
- Comply: Meet conditions; report changes.
Application deadlines in Tilburg
| Type of event | Application deadline | Tilburg example |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 500 people) | 20 working days | Neighborhood party in Westerhoek |
| Medium (500-5000 people) | 8 weeks | Fair on Heuvelstraat |
| Large (5000+ people) | 12-16 weeks | Carnival parade |
Costs of an event permit in Tilburg
Municipality of Tilburg fees: €50-€500 for small-scale events, rising to thousands for major ones. Factor in extras like acoustic surveys (€300+) or traffic marshals. Non-profits with ANBI status may apply for waivers.
Rights and obligations as a Tilburg organizer
Rights:
- Decision within the deadline (Awb art. 4:17).
- Objection at the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda) or appeal (Awb art. 7:1).
Obligations:
- Comply with conditions (noise, waste management).
- Liable for incidents (liability insurance essential).
- Report changes promptly (Awb art. 4:24).
Violations: fines up to €20,500 (APV) or shutdown.
Tilburg case studies
Case 1: Football tournament in Tilburg: permit for field and stalls, limited to 22:00.
Case 2: Neighborhood party without permit: €1,400 fine. Tip: check in advance!
Case 3: Large festival: 50 conditions including first aid and traffic plan. Costs: €2,500 fees + €5,000 extras.
Frequently asked questions for Tilburg
Permit needed for wedding in Leijpark?
No for small groups (<20), but yes for music/catering. See Tilburg APV.
Municipality decision too late?
Claim penalty payment (Awb art. 4:18) after 8 weeks.
Revocation by mayor?
Yes, in case of danger (Municipalities Act art. 174), with hearing procedure.
Fireworks permit for New Year's Eve in Tilburg?
Via APV; often professionals only.
Tips for events in Tilburg
- Start early: 3 months for complex events like during the Kermis.
- Consult stakeholders: Neighbors, Safety Region Midden- en West-Brabant, business associations.
- Get help: From the Tilburg Legal Advice Center for free advice.