Filming in Belfast: permits and fees

Who issues permits

Belfast City Council’s Marketing and Corporate Communications team handles commercial filming and photography on council-controlled land, primarily parks. Applications for park events or filming requiring broader public coordination go through the Outdoor Leisure team.

Process

Applications must be submitted in writing at least 20 working days in advance. Applications should include dates, times, crew details, equipment lists, and the intended commercial use. A risk assessment form and public liability insurance certificate must accompany the application. Filming at the Palm House and Tropical Ravine in Botanic Gardens requires a higher-tier application due to the conservation-sensitive environment.

Fees

Fees are reviewed annually. Current rates (valid to March 2026):

• Commercial photography: £27 per hour
• TV productions, commercials, and small films: £72 per hour
• Filming at the Palm House / Tropical Ravine: £135 per hour
• Radio recording: £33 per session

Wedding and civil partnership photography in council parks is managed separately at £26 for a two-hour slot.

What’s covered

Council parks and open spaces: Botanic Gardens (including the Palm House and Tropical Ravine), Victoria Park, Falls Park, Ormeau Park, Barnett Demesne, and Malone House. Public street filming requires consultation with DfI Roads (the road authority for Northern Ireland) separately from the council.

Typical restrictions

20 working days written notice is a strict requirement. News, current affairs, and educational filming may qualify for exceptions — discuss with the Marketing team before submitting. Drone use in council parks requires advance approval. All commercial shoots require a risk assessment.

Contact

• Email (commercial filming): bccmedia@belfastcity.gov.uk
• Email (outdoor leisure): outdoorleisure@belfastcity.gov.uk
• Web: belfastcity.gov.uk/filming

Apply on the Belfast City Council website → belfastcity.gov.uk/filming