Colwyn Bay MBC is fortunate enough to have a Licence that includes many permissions including events in the park, we merely send them a copy of our Events Diary each January and that satisfies the Licence conditions and so there is no paperwork at all.
In reality it goes much further than that, we are on first name terms with all the Managers and they bend over backwards to allow us to operate. Our Council views tourism as it's major industry and anything that works towards promoting that receives huge support.
Our annual Mayor's Cup Regatta takes over large areas of the park and the car parks too. No-one demands oversight, or reports, even though officials know we are probably pushing our luck, but at the same time we apply common sense to our activities and are trusted to be sensible.
We are trying to bring a second lake in the park up to scratch, thus allowing much larger events in future years and we have the full support of all Council Depts., they are even seeking out grants for us.
The fastest way to cut through red tape is to have all the very senior officials on speed-dial on your mobile phone, you don't have to actually know them. When a jobsworth asks if you have permission for that, it helps if you can bring up the direct phoneline for the Director of Whatever, pass the phone to the guy and ask if he wants to call his boss and check.
Although it is easier to get forgiveness than permission, permission lasts forever.
We are always surprised at the support we receive.