Council objects to town festival

Plans for a major fundraising Spalding beer festival could be stumbling as officials have objected to a licence application.

The town’s Round Table has raised around £50,000 for local charities over the last three years and plans for this year’s event are already well under way.

The festival has been held at the Castle Sports Complex and attracted thousands of visitors.

But the environmental health department of South Holland District Council has objected to the temporary licence application.

The Panel of the Committee of the Licensing Authority is due to meet tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the application for live music over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May.

An application has been made on behalf of the Round Table for a temporary event.

The Environmental Health team at the district council is objecting to the licensing of live music on an outdoor stage on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.

“Officer in the Environment Protection Team make representation in respect of this event, in that they object to the provision of regulated entertainment.

“On the grounds that the amplification of voices and instruments is likely to give rise to complaints and potentially the occurrence of a statutory noise nuisance. It is likely to have a disproportionate and unreasonable adverse impact on persons living (and working) in the locality,” says the objection.

The first festival, four years ago, was held inside the complex, but an outdoor stage area was added last year to add a festival feel to the event.

Last year, more than 100 breweries and businesses supported the festival which featured live music.

Chairman of the Round Table Matthew Cole said there had been no complaints following last year’s event.

“We will be working with the council to try to resolve this as we are passionate about the town and the festival is a popular event which raises a lot of money,” he said.

A lot of hard work has already been put into this year’s event and if the licence is not granted it could put the festival itself at risk of not happening.

More sponsors have also come forward offering financial support for the festival.

“We are hopeful the situation can be resolved and the festival will go ahead once again as planned,” added Mr Cole.