Guidance

Apply to become a permit-free art or music festival

How to apply to get on the list of permit-free art and music festivals.

• From: UK Visas and Immigration
• Published: 16 December 2014
• Last updated: 20 November 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 20 November 2025

     Added application dates for 2026 to 2027.

  2. 2 December 2024

     Updated the process for applications to the list of permit free festivals for 2025.

  3. 30 November 2023

     Updated information for festivals applying for inclusion on the permit free festival list.

  4. 14 February 2023

     Updated guidance to highlight that the application window to apply to get on the permit free festival list was closed on 31 January 2023.

  5. 1 December 2022

     Updated to provide information to festivals on how to apply for inclusion on the Permit Free Festival list over December and January.

  6. 24 February 2022

     Updated guidance to highlight that the application window to apply to get on the permit free festival list is closed.

  7. 7 January 2022

     Updated information on the permit free festival list application window.

  8. 11 December 2020

     Information updated for festivals between 7 April 2021 and 6 April 2022.

  9. 3 January 2020

     Updated guidance for 2020.

  10. 20 November 2018

      Updated contact information and evidence list

  11. 13 November 2017

      Updated details.

  12. 15 November 2016

      Updated guidance.

  13. 27 November 2015

      Updated guidance.

  14. 16 December 2014

      First published.

Documents

How to apply to get on the list of permit free festivals

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Details

This guidance provides details on how individuals who are hosting festivals can apply to get on the list of permit-free festivals.