Public rallies and other public events

Rallies and events that meet the purpose test and take place during a regulated period will only be regulated campaign activity if they are open for anyone to hear, see or attend.

Where access to the rally or public event is limited by the non-party campaigner so that the general public are unable to take part, this will not be regulated.

Services, premises, facilities or equipment provided by others

This includes the cost of use, or hire, of any:

  • agency, individual or organisation
  • services provided by any agency, individual or organisation
  • premises or facilities
  • equipment

used in:

  • promoting a rally or other event
  • holding or conducting a rally or other event
  • live streaming or broadcasting a rally or other event by any means

Other costs

It includes the cost of promoting or advertising the rally or event by any means.

It includes the provision of any goods, services or facilities at the event, for example the cost of hiring seating.

It includes the purchase of any equipment in connection with: 

  • holding or conducting a public meeting 
  • live streaming or broadcasting a public meeting by any means

Costs that are excluded

Reportable costs do not include the cost of providing specific security for any person appearing or attending at the event or the costs of providing general security for persons or property at the event.

Example

If your organisation holds a members-only rally in a town square, or a march through a busy town centre, the event is open for any member of the public to see or join (even if only members of your organisation are taking part in the rally). The rally will count as a regulated campaign activity if it also meets the purpose test.

Similarly, if you hold a rally or event indoors, this will also be regulated if you have promoted the rally or event to any members of the public, for example, by promoting it through advertisements in the newspaper and leafleting, and it meets the purpose test.

However, if you hold a closed event for people who have signed up to volunteer for your campaign, where members of the public are unable to be involved or join, this will not be regulated.

If you provide security for attendees or property at an event, these costs will not count towards your spending limit.

What rallies and events are not regulated?

Public rallies and events are not regulated if they are:

  • your organisation’s annual conference
  • a public procession or protest meeting in Northern Ireland, where notice has been given under the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 199826
  • non-selective hustings, which are hustings that would not reasonably be regarded as intended to promote or oppose particular parties or categories of candidate
Last updated: 20 December 2023