Open air music festival wins battle of the booze
PLANS to sell alcohol at a rock concert have been approved, despite protests from residents living nearby.
Neighbours were concerned next Sunday's Skyfest at Biddulph Grange Country Park would spark booze-fuelled trouble.
But a licensing application was yesterday allowed by district councillors just over one week before it is due to go-ahead.
The open air music festival will run alongside Folk in the Park and will feature a battle of the bands competition to decide which act will open for '60s rock band Hawkwind, who are headlining the evening event.
Thirteen bands will perform during the day and night.
It is the first time the festival has been held and has been organised by Gemma Connelly and her husband Chris, who are planning to open a music centre in Biddulph.
Councillors were told that seven residents had made written objections to the application.
Some objectors argued that Battle of the Bands and Hawkwind were inappropriate for a country park venue, while others feared it could become a `mini-festival', with some revellers tempted to camp.
Concerns were also raised about sanitary arrangements and nuisance parking.
At yesterday's hearing neighbours also raised fears about noise and marshalling arrangements.
Gordon Bailey, of Grange Fields, said residents would be forced to endure loud music from 10am until 10.30pm.
He said: "That is over 12 hours of loud music, I do not think that is acceptable.
"People could get very noisy and excitable, there could possibly be trouble.
"This country park is a place of peace and tranquillity and it is a beautiful residential area, which will be spoiled by people under the influence of alcohol. We do not want drunks wandering around causing problems."
Fellow protester Bernard Harris, of Grange Park Drive, Biddulph, said: "It is on a Sunday evening when I have got to go to work in the morning and my child has got to go to school, as have lots of other people in this area.
"I do not think it is acceptable in a residential area. I think some disturbance will be inevitable."
Organisers, who describe the event as a 'family fun day', are expecting 800 people to attend in the evening and more during the day. The capacity is 1,500.
Mrs Connelly gave assurances that the event would be properly controlled and marshalled and she said about 30 people would be on duty.
She said: "We are going to ensure that it is a safe and enjoyable event. The police have said that they will be present."
The daytime events, which start at noon, are free. Tickets are £20 for the evening when Hawkwind will perform.
Gates open at 6pm and the event is due to close at 11pm.
There will also be amusements and fun fair rides and Bakers Coaches will offer a free shuttle service.
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