Event Industry News

Festival’s future creates discord in council camp

After more than four hours of speeches and discussions behind closed doors, Gosport councillors were unable to come to a decision on the Stokes Bay Festival.

About 50 residents packed the Town Hall chamber hoping the plug would be pulled on the five-day festival at Bay House School’s playing fields, off Military Road.

But a decision will now not be made until Monday.

Lib Dem Councillor Sue Ballard, chairwoman of the licensing panel, said: ‘The board was unable to conclude it’s deliberations.

‘We will reconvene with a decision on Monday.’

After the announcement the two Lib Dems and one Tory councillor went back into private talks, which Cllr Ballard said would ‘go on into the night’.

Many at Wednesday night’s meeting voiced vehement opposition to the festival – which features top acts including the Proclaimers. Local residents say it will be disruptive because the field is surrounded by 50 homes.

PC John Connelly, licensing officer for Gosport, told councillors that police ‘strongly object’ to the plans and it was noted that the council had received 42 letters of objection and a 159-signature petition.

Jacqueline Greenhalgh, 56, of House Farm Road, said: ‘We live next to the site and for all the residents in the area it will cause a lot of disruption – it will just be hell.

‘With all the evidence in front of them tonight I don’t see why they just couldn’t make a decision.’

Elaine Roberts, 54, also of House Farm Road, added: ‘I’m disappointed that after all the objections and representations, they still can’t make a decision.’

Festival organiser Richard Davey refused to comment after the meeting, but his representative told the sub-board he would work with environmental health to ensure there was adequate noise control.

>>> A decision will be announced at Gosport Town Hall on Monday at 6pm.

ATTENDANCE COULD BE 15,000

The festival is due to take place from July 29 to August 2.

There is a capacity of 3,000 for each day, meaning a potential 15,000 people could attend.

The festival will feature top acts including the Zutons, the Saw Doctors and Seth Lakeman.

On Tuesday festival organiser Richard Davey secured permission for live music events on Brune Park School’s playing field, off Military Road, and is putting in an application for use of a field at Stokes Bay.

However Mr Davey told has said that there were no plans to use these for the festival this year.

Source: The News