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                    Major events EOI

                    A large crowd of people with a stage in the background
                    City of Melbourne manages multiple public open spaces for events hosted in our city throughout the year.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​To manage the demand for space in the city, we are seeking expressions of interest from event organisers looking to hold a major event from 1 July 2025 through to 30 June 2028. 

                    This EOI process is focused on capturing major events that meets one or more of the following conditions:

                    • Events with an attendance of 10,000 people or more
                    • Events involving complex road closures (e.g. multiple road closures or closing main roads with multiple detours).
                    • Events causing minor road closures but impacting public transport
                    • More than 20 items of infrastructure (e.g. marquees, portable toilets, inflatables, stages, food vans)
                    • Large infrastructure builds requiring cranes and/or multiple vehicles for set up and pack down


                    How do I apply?

                    Submit an expression of interest and provide information about your major event and the proposed event site. Apply via the Major Event EOI form.​

                    Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a detailed booking application through our event permitting process as outlined in the terms and conditions of booking space in the city.

                    Assessment criteria

                    All EOIs will consider five key criteria: sponsorship, suitability, community/cultural benefits, stimulus and engagement. It will also consider the demand for a location at a particular time of the year. The full criteria is outlined in the Major Event EOI form.

                    Key dates

                    • EOI applications will open on Wednesday 1 May 2024.
                    • EOI applications will close on Friday 31 May 2024.
                    • Applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their application in July. 

                    Contact us To discuss any queries regarding the eligibility of your event, or the EOI application process, please contact us via email events@melbourne.vic.gov.au​​

                    FAQs

                    What if my major event takes place before 1 July 2025?

                    ​Major events held prior to 1 July 2025 should apply via the City of Melbourne event permit application. Visit the event permit page​ for more information on notice period required for an event.

                    What is public open space in terms of the Major Event Expression of Interest (EOI?)

                    Public open space is publicly owned land such as parks, gardens, reserves, squares, footpaths and roadways that are managed by City of Melbourne.​

                    Can an event in a privately managed space apply for the EOI?

                    ​No. Only events held in public open space managed by the City of Melbourne can apply for the Major Event EOI. View the event sites within City of Melbourne. Visit City of Melbourne Map​.​

                    What are some examples of privately managed spaces?

                    ​Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, directly outside State Library, directly outside National Gallery of Victoria and more. If you are unsure, please contact events@melbourne.vic.gov.au​ or 03 9658 9658 Event Operations.

                    What is considered infrastructure?

                    Any equipment that exceeds chairs, tables, two barbeques and four market umbrellas such as marquees, stages, generators, portable toilets and inflatables.

                    What if I don’t have exact numbers of infrastructure?

                    ​Providing an estimate on how much infrastructure you will bring to the site will help us understand the overall size of your event and determine if the chosen location is suitable.​

                    Why do you need information on vehicles?

                    ​Details about vehicle types and quantity will help us determine if the event space is suitable and has the appropriate access requirements, or if there is a suitable alternative location.​

                    What if I don’t have numbers or types of vehicles?

                    ​Providing an estimate on how many vehicles and the type of vehicles you need for your event will help us identify if the chosen location is suitable.​

                    What if my event only meets some of the assessment criteria?

                    ​An assessment team will assess applications against the criteria and each criterion is weighted. The weighted scores for all criteria will be added together and a total score used to determine an applications ranking against the criteria so the more you can consider, the higher the score and likelihood of progressing your application. The assessment will also consider the demand for a location at a particular time of the year.​

                    Does funding from the City of Melbourne guarantee eligibility for the Major Event EOI?

                    ​Eligibility for the EOI is determined by the event being able to meet one or more of the specified conditions as to what constitutes a major event. For example, if you applied for funding and you do not meet any of the conditions that define a major event you are not eligible to apply for a Major Event EOI. You can, however, apply via the general event permit application if you meet the notice required for an event.​

                    Can I still apply after the EOI has closed?

                    ​No, you can however apply via the general event application permit if your event is within 12 months. If your major event is beyond 12 months and the EOI has closed please contact us events@melbourne.vic.gov.au​​
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