Trafalgar Square plays host to major city events and celebrations throughout the year. Visited by millions of people each year, it's one of London's most recognised public spaces.
Managing Trafalgar Square
The GLA manages Trafalgar Square for London and we consider the use of Trafalgar Square for commercial events (subject to a venue hire fee) and assess applications for demonstrations and protests on the square.
The vision for Trafalgar Square is as the symbolic heart of London - a lively and accessible place to be enjoyed by Londoners and visitors alike. The square may be used, subject to booking in advance, for a wide range of activities including: rallies and demonstrations; filming and photography; and promotional events.
If you’ve got an idea for an event in Trafalgar Square then please complete our online enquiry form.
We also manage Parliament Square - for more details please visit the website.
Information for the professional news media
The GLA recognises that as an iconic site of national importance Trafalgar Square will regularly be the focal point of local, national and international news events. In recognition of the role that the professional news media plays in our society and to facilitate news crews and photo-journalists in their news gathering activities, the GLA has put in place a pre-authorisation scheme for members of the press operating in the square. The scheme allows UKPCA Press Card Holders to take photographs and film in the squares without prior authorisation from the GLA, provided they display their Press Card when requested. This means that, unlike other forms of commercial photography and filming, they do not need to seek consent from the GLA in advance of carrying out those activities in the square. There are no restrictions on amateur or private photography on Trafalgar Square.
Full details of the Scheme, together with an Authorisation Notice for UKPCA Press Card holders, will be published here shortly.
Byelaws
Activities on the Square are regulated by the Byelaws:
The byelaws were made by the Mayor under Section 385 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 and their enforcement is primarily the responsibility of the Greater London Authority. The byelaws outline a number of activities that require written permission such as commercial photography, taking part in assemblies and performances, and advertising. They also contain a list of prohibited activities within the Square such as failing to keep an animal under control and doing an act that will pollute water in one of the fountains.
